Key facts
- A large wildfire in south Wales, burning for over three weeks, shows signs of coming under control.
- The blaze has spread over 4,000 hectares (9,800 acres) in the Ebbw valley above Blaenavon.
- Military personnel have been deployed to assist emergency services in combating the fire.
- Extreme heat, drought, and deep-seated peat fires have made the wildfire particularly challenging to extinguish.
- Arson is cited as a significant factor in the numerous wildfires across the UK this summer.
Hope is emerging in the gruelling battle against a massive wildfire in south Wales, which has been burning for over three weeks. The blaze, located on the hillside above the Ebbw valley village of Blaenavon, has spread across 4,000 hectares (9,800 acres) and prompted the deployment of military personnel.
Emergency workers and soldiers described the fight as arduous, complicated by deep-seated peat fires that reignite underground. Group Commander Jamie Windsor noted the unusual difficulty, stating he had never seen anything like it in 30 years of experience. Soldiers from the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment were seen digging firebreaks and turning over soil, while a contracted helicopter dropped water to douse reigniting pockets.
The South Wales fire service has deployed new thermal camera drones and specialised vehicles, which Group Manager Darren Cleaves said have improved accuracy and safety. These combined efforts have successfully protected houses in Blaenavon.
Residents, like Cindy Rogers, expressed concerns about the increasing threat of wildfires due to climate change, though she remains committed to her home. An 89-year-old resident also voiced worries about both fire and the flooding that has plagued the area in recent years.
Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan reported that the Blaenavon fire was showing signs of slowing by Sunday afternoon, praising the professionalism and hard work of the teams. He highlighted that arson has been a significant contributor to the summer's fires across the UK, with arrests made in connection to various incidents. The specific cause of the Blaenavon fire remains under investigation.
The UK has experienced a record-breaking hot and dry summer, leading to widespread wildfires. While cooler temperatures and rain are expected, their impact on reversing drought conditions is uncertain. The Met Office noted that the UK is on course for its hottest summer on record.