Firefighters from across North Powys, Shropshire and North Wales were called to a large hill fire last night, in the Llangynog area, near Llanfyllin, which affected around 90 hectares of grass and heather.

Firefighters from Llanfyllin, Llanidloes, Welshpool, Newtown, Montgomery, Llanfair Caereinion and Knighton all attended the incident.

Craig Thomas, Head of Operational Response for Powys Command, said that the fire had taken resources away from all of the stations.

County Times: Photo: Stella Wilcox.Photo: Stella Wilcox.

Photo: Stella Wilcox

The fire crews from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were also joined by North Wales and Shropshire Fire and Rescue. Firefighters from Oswestry were first called to the incident just before 6pm.

Tweeting this morning, the Montgomery station said that fire service vehicles and personnel are still at the scene. "Please drive carefully when approaching the incident," the Tweet said.

County Times:

Photo: Stella Wilcox

There have been a number of grass fires in Powys over the last month or so, particulary in the middle of the county in the Builth Wells area, which are believed to be deliberately lit. However, the fire service has said that the cause of this fire is still being investigated. 

"We really don't need these incidents right now, with the NHS being under so much pressure as well," Mr Thomas said. 

Mr Thomas said he doesn't know why there have been quite so many deliberate grass fires in the last few weeks although he said there is usually a spike in this time of the year and that as it's dry the fires can be severe.

As well as the potential risk to properties, the smoke is also a problem. Welshpool Fire Station has urged people driving past the fire to keep their windows closed. 

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