17/08/2026
🔥 WALES WILDFIRES 🔥
Unfortunately, Wales is continuing to experience an exceptional period of wildfire activity, with firefighters still dealing with a number of significant incidents across the country.
Firefighters are currently tackling 14 wildfires across South Wales alone, following an extremely difficult weekend which saw further fires break out and flames come dangerously close to communities. Residents in the Ynyswen/Treherbert area had to be evacuated as fire spread across the mountainside behind homes, an incredibly frightening experience for everyone affected.
Among the most significant incidents being dealt with in South Wales are fires at Blaenavon, Dowlais, Darran Park/Ferndale, Cwm in Ebbw Vale, Wattsville and Treherbert. Significant wildfire incidents have also affected Mid and West Wales, including Rhandirmwyn near Llandovery.
Following weeks of exceptionally dry conditions, the landscape across large parts of Wales remains extremely vulnerable to fire. Firefighters, farmers, landowners and partner agencies continue working to tackle active areas, hotspots and the risk of further spread.
Around 200 military personnel have also been deployed to South Wales to support the wildfire response, working alongside our already stretched emergency services.
The fire at Blaenavon has now been burning for nearly a month, with crews still on the ground tackling this extremely large and persistent incident. Around 220 hectares of mixed land have been affected. Crews and partner agencies continue working across the area, and significant progress has been made, but the sheer length of this incident demonstrates just how difficult wildfires can be to fully extinguish after such prolonged dry conditions.
PLEASE HELP PROTECT WALES
Right now, please avoid anything outdoors that could create a flame, spark or intense heat:
• No disposable BBQs
• No fire pits or campfires
• No bonfires or garden incinerators
• No fireworks
• Never throw ci******es onto the ground or from a vehicle
• Take litter home, particularly glass bottles
• Keep away from active wildfire areas
• Do not fly drones near fires, they can interfere with firefighting aircraft and emergency operations, and there is an active No Fly Zone in South Wales
• If you see suspicious fire-setting behaviour that is not an immediate emergency, report it to Police on 101
• If you discover an active fire, see flames, or believe life or property is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately
Fire services are asking everyone to help prevent further incidents while resources remain under significant pressure.
CONSIDER PREPARING A SMALL GRAB BAG
This does not mean you are likely to be evacuated. It simply means that, particularly if you live close to woodland, grassland, moorland or very dry fields, having a few essentials together can make things much easier should emergency services ever ask you to leave quickly. A basic grab bag could contain:
• Essential medication and inhalers
• Phone charger and charged power bank
• House and car keys
• Wallet, bank cards and a small amount of cash
• ID and copies of important documents
• Bottled water and a few high-energy snacks
• Torch
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Glasses/contact lenses if needed
• A change of clothing and basic toiletries
• Essential baby/child items where applicable
• Pet lead/carrier, medication and a small amount of food
• Important phone numbers written down on paper
If your home is actively on fire, please do not stop to collect your belongings. Get yourself and everyone else out and call 999 when you are safe.
SMOKE
Smoke from these incidents has affected communities across Wales and can travel considerable distances. If smoke is affecting your area, keep windows and doors closed where possible. Anyone with asthma, COPD or another respiratory condition should take extra care, keep necessary medication close by and seek medical attention if needed.
Our amazing firefighters, farmers, landowners, military personnel and everyone else supporting this response are working incredibly hard in extremely difficult conditions.
Many crews have been dealing with incident after incident during an extraordinary period of wildfire activity, during an exceptionally hot weather period. Land, habitats and livelihoods are being affected, and some communities have faced the frightening reality of fire approaching their homes, and residents in Pant loosing their entire homes.
The simplest thing every one of us can do is make sure we don’t give them another fire to fight.
A massive thank you to everyone fighting these fires and keeping communities safe. You are all absolute heroes. ❤️🚒
Please look after yourselves, stay safe, look after each other and help us protect Wales.
From all of the Chase It UK team, we are thinking of everyone affected by the wildfires and everyone working day and night to keep our communities safe.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
