Haze and mist have been observed throughout Newport this morning as emergency crews work to suppress multiple blazes across the Gwent region and South Wales.
The atmospheric conditions may be connected to persistent fires at locations such as Cwmavon Woods close to Blaenavon, Wattsville Mountain, Rudry Common and regions surrounding Rhiwderin. Smoke from the Blaenavon area has previously drifted over Newport, Cwmbran, Pontypool and additional settlements as wind directions have changed.
We are awaiting the most recent statement from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and will share verified updates throughout the day.
Local residents have shared photographs from the Blaenavon wildfire. (Image: Social media)
An online map of wildfire incidents displays reported fire locations across South Wales, encompassing zones near Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd, Caerphilly, Cwmbran, Newport, Cardiff and Barry.
The most significant recent event involves the extensive moorland fire close to Llangynidr Reservoir, near Ebbw Vale, which has consumed approximately 400 hectares of terrain.
Local residents have shared photographs of what they understood to be an industrial blaze near the Transporter Bridge during the previous evening. (Image: Cameron Carnell)
Members of the public have reported detecting or observing atmospheric pollution spanning a broad territory of Gwent and neighbouring areas, encompassing Newport, Cwmbran, Pontypool, Risca, Caerphilly, Chepstow, Caldicot, Abergavenny, Tredegar, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale and the Rhondda.
Local residents have shared photographs of the Blaenavon wildfire from the previous evening (Image: Bev-was Teague Harris)
Numerous individuals noted that the odour became especially potent during the night or in the early morning, with those in sections of Cwmbran, Newport, Bettws, Malpas, Risca, Pontypool and the Valleys experiencing reduced air quality, diminished visibility and occasionally discomfort to their eyes or respiratory systems.
The situation largely mirrors the territory impacted by several wildfires throughout Gwent. A significant moorland blaze near Llangynidr Reservoir, close to Ebbw Vale, has impacted settlements including Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Pontypool and Newport after wind patterns shifted. The fire has been contained, however firefighters have cautioned that pollution levels may temporarily rise as underground hotspots are revealed, cooled and extinguished.
Read additional perspectives from local residents regarding the atmospheric conditions here.
Newport : Communities experience breathing difficulties as wildfires rage throughout Gwent | South Wales Argus
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service stated they are unable to establish or confirm the origin of the atmospheric pollution as they are managing numerous wildfire incidents. They noted that wind patterns can alter the direction of emissions from those situations.
(Image: Supplied)
M Cwmbran has also notified customers that substantial atmospheric pollution is impacting the town centre owing to wildfires in the surrounding area. The shopping centre continues to operate, however patrons are being advised to exercise heightened caution, especially those who are sensitive to atmospheric contaminants.
Dense atmospheric pollution hangs over the urban area (Image: Supplied)
SWFRS seeks military assistance
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has formally submitted an application for Military Aid to the Civil Authorities to provide supplementary logistical and defensive operational support as wildfire operations persist across sections of South Wales, consistent with sanctioned escalation procedures.
Why is military support being requested at this time?
Further details regarding SWFRS’ military support application are available here.
Government prohibits disposable barbecues
The Government has formally prohibited the commercialisation of disposable barbecues due to the ongoing wildfire risk
Prime Minister addresses military support
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that the Government will engage firefighting aircraft to address the proliferation of wildfires.
Speaking from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, he stated that initially the military deployed 100 personnel to the significant incident in South Wales, and the Government is extremely thankful to colleagues in the Ministry of Defence for that support. That support is critically required.
He noted that there is a mutual aid framework operating at present, whereby fire and rescue services are assisting one another. However, with such numerous incidents, it is essential that the military support is available if fire and rescue services cannot provide the usual mutual support they would typically offer. Therefore that is greatly valued.
He explained that the second matter concerns aerial firefighting capability, the aircraft that people may observe in other nations. He stated that they have reached a decision to deploy nationally aerial firefighting support, so commissioned nationally. He noted that that was obviously unavailable here, however it will be accessible elsewhere, and it would have made a difference.
Atmospheric pollution enveloped Cwmbran during the morning
This photograph shared in our Camera Club illustrates the extent of Cwmbran covered by atmospheric pollution at first light
(Image: Daniel Edward Watts)
Local communities request additional assistance
Individuals from throughout the affected regions of Gwent have urged for greater assistance for the communities suffering from these wildfires
Military vehicles observed proceeding to fire crews
A witness has reported that five military trucks fitted with portable water containers have been observed accompanied by a police escort travelling westwards on the Southern Distributor Road overpass in Newport
Additional blaze
An additional vegetation fire has been reported on the Byrn on St Sannan Road near Pontllanfraith. Our live coverage of that incident is available here.
Elected representatives demand enhanced response
Elected representatives from throughout Wales have urged the Government to take further measures to address the wildfires
Health authorities recommending adherence to PHW guidance
Health authorities throughout Wales are recommending individuals to adhere to the guidance from Public Health Wales if affected by the atmospheric pollution:
Keepers Pond shut
The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park team has confirmed that Keepers Pond car park remains inaccessible as emergency services are utilizing the pond as a water supply to combat the fires. They have not yet indicated when the car park will resume operations
National safety warning
A national safety warning has just been released requesting individuals to refrain from lighting barbecues or operating equipment that may produce sparks and requesting everyone to remain vigilant and cautious
Additional imagery
Additional footage has emerged of the operations against the wildfires in Blaenavon
Cwm Woodlands now ablaze
We have received local reports indicating that Cwm Woodlands is burning
SWFRS issues caution
SWFRS has indicated they are experiencing a significant influx of emergency calls following the UK Government’s severe warning. They have advised that individuals should only contact emergency services for genuine emergencies
Gwent Police shut A4046 near woodlands
Gwent Police have confirmed that A4046 is presently inaccessible between Cwm Roundabout and School Terrace. This falls within the Cwm Woodlands vicinity.
Road closure notification
The A4046 is currently inaccessible between Cwm Roundabout and School Terrace. Diversions are operational which may result in delays. Please refrain from the area if feasible and identify alternative routes for your journey. Thank you.