A US Air Force helicopter has been blamed for causing a grass fire on the Epynt Mountain.

The down draft from an American Osprey helicopter on a hot and dry day caused a 150 hectare grassland fire which took eight hours to put out.

The incident happened during a military exercise when the helicopter hovered above the Epynt grassland while deploying troops on the ground.

Mid and West Wales Fire crews, from Brecon, Llandovery, Llandrindod Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells, and British troops were called to the incident at 3.36pm on Tuesday, May 22. The fire ended eight hours later at 11.30pm.

"The factors attributed to this fire is certainly unusual and demonstrates that our grasslands are more vulnerable to fires during these hot and dry periods," said Station Manager Neil Evans.

"Despite the large area of grassland affected, the fire was brought under control and extinguished in a relatively short period of time due to the excellent cooperation between our firefighters and MOD personnel.

"Due to a pre-arranged agreement between MAWWFRS and the MOD, the MOD can deploy troops to assist the Fire and Rescue Service at incidents of grass fires, which reduces the pressure on our firefighters and appliances during such incidents.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to the MOD for their continuing support to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and in helping bring this incident to a quick and safe conclusion."

The USAF has been contacted for comment.