Military personnel have been deployed to aid emergency services in combating wildfires that are continuing to burn across Wales, despite cooler temperatures on Saturday. The troops are providing logistical support to help "ease the pressure on the ground," according to Stephen Kinnock, Secretary of State for Wales.
Crews have spent more than 90 hours responding to operational incidents in areas including Llanwrtyd Wells, Merthyr Tydfil, and Ebbw Vale. Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) described the situation as challenging and dynamic, while thanking local businesses for providing food and drinks to keep crews fueled.
Residents were evacuated from their homes near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, as a fire encroached upon the village. A local councillor described the situation as "scary." Firefighters remained at the scene on Saturday, continuing to make progress in responding to the incident and requesting that people stay away from the area, particularly around Rhandirmwyn, to ensure roads remain clear for emergency vehicles.
Another fire was observed above Cwm, Ebbw Vale on Friday evening. Sallie Jones, a spokesperson for the Cwm Task Force, highlighted the community's collaborative efforts during the crisis. "If it was a different wind direction, it could have been total devastation," Jones stated, adding that the village experienced significant fear, with residents seeking reassurance about their safety.
In a separate incident, police are investigating a "deliberate fire" near Porth and have arrested four 14-year-old boys in connection with the incident.