While emergency crews and military personnel work to bring five major blazes under control across South Wales, health authorities are pleading with people to handle cigarette waste responsibly.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has issued the safety alert, highlighting the danger cigarettes pose during warm, arid weather conditions.

Officials warn that an inadequately put-out cigarette can readily set fire to dried vegetation including grass, foliage and bushes.

Despite appearing insignificant, a cigarette butt can transform into a substantial threat to individuals, buildings and natural surroundings.

A representative from the health board stated that with outdoor fires affecting Welsh communities, everyone should be aware of the dangers linked to cigarettes and their remnants.

During prolonged heatwaves, a smouldering cigarette can swiftly ignite tinder-dry grass, leaves or hedging and trigger a conflagration.

What might look like a tiny, innocuous cigarette butt can develop into a considerable hazard for the public, infrastructure and wildlife.

An improperly extinguished cigarette has the potential to spark flames in dried grass, leaves or plants, possibly setting off a wildfire that endangers residents, structures and ecosystems.

The health board has also circulated guidance to those attending their hospital facilities.

This covers the following points: abstaining from smoking within or at the edge of hospital property; ensuring cigarettes are thoroughly stubbed out prior to disposal; and refraining from discarding cigarette butts on any surface.

The representative commented that individuals should bear in mind that smoking is prohibited on hospital premises and within the perimeter, with violations constituting an offence.

Those who do smoke should do so well away from nearby residences and confirm cigarettes are completely extinguished before discarding them.

Cigarette butts must never be tossed onto the ground, especially into parched grass, fallen leaves or vegetation.

As blazes persist across the region, preventing a discarded cigarette from igniting yet another incident remains essential.

The representative continued that during this period of Welsh wildfires, people should ensure their cigarette waste does not become the cause of the next fire.

The community is asked to assist in protecting patients, staff, visitors and local residents.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service described the alert as a valuable prompt.