NUMEROUS firefighters and appliances, including a helicopter, battled a huge blaze that broke out on a Powys hillside on Wednesday (March 23).

Mid Wales fire crews worked into the night to contain the four-mile wide grass fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately on Llangynidr Mountain, in the south of the county.

Police and fire chiefs had warned members of the public to stay away from the fire, located at the foot of the Brecon Beacons National Park between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil and near Llangattock.

Fire chiefs said the fire was being allowed to burn throughout the night as there was no risk of it advancing and damaging any property.

County Times: This dramatic shot captures the fire raging on the mountain. Pic courtesy of Peter Williams Photography

“We currently have numerous appliances and helicopter fighting a four-mile fire front on Llangynidr Mountain,” said Craig Thomas, divisional commander for Ceredigion and Powys at the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“Crews working extremely hard on difficult terrain.”

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South Wales Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: “For your own safety, please stay away from the grass fire on Llangynidr Mountain. The fire service are allowing it to burn overnight as there is no risk to property.”

Gwent Police said: “We are aware of the large grass fire on Llangynidr Common. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are also aware. We are asking members of the public to refrain from visiting the area.”

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Arson Reduction Team said the south Powys fire seemed to be part of a spate of recent grass fires that had been set in the south of the country.

Firefighters across mid and west Wales battled various outbreaks on Tuesday evening (March 22), including Tairgwaith, west of Ystradgynlais, Ammanford and Swansea.

“So tonight, while we’re all having our evening meals, drinking a cup of tea, watching some TV, our operational colleagues are fighting grass fires in various locations,” said the team on its Facebook page.

County Times: Pic Harry Casaru

Kilvey Hill, Swansea; Fairwood common, Swansea; Tairgwaith, Gwaun Cae Gurwen; Garnswllt, Ammanford, to name a few.

“Our colleagues will work tirelessly to extinguish these fires to protect wildlife, livestock and property

“If anyone has any information, please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

MWWFRS response officer and deputy head of community safety Neil Evans said: “Please call so we can stop this irresponsible fire setting.”