Powys crews called to second Abercrave wildfire in a week

Abercrave, Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Ammanford crews were called to an incident at Coelbren, Abercrave 9.47am on Friday, June 16.

According to Mid and West Wales Fire Service said that "approximately 40 hectares of forestry and scrub land was destroyed by fire". 

"Crews extinguished the fire by utilising a helicopter drone, thermal imaging camera, all-terrain vehicle and rapid response vehicle."  

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They added that the landowner was "advised to monitor the area over the weekend".

According to the service, crews found remnants of a barbeque at the scene which is believed to have caused this fire.

This came the day after another forestry fire in Abercrave on Thursday, June 15, which is beleived to have been "started deliberately". 

For that incident Abercrave, Seven Sisters, Pontardawe, Ammanford, Tumble, Brecon, Neath and Amman Valley crews responded to approximately 30 hectares of forestry on fire whilst utilising a Wildfire Helicopter.

The spokesperson added that the service had been overwhelmed with forest fires over the last few weeks. 

They said: "The last few weeks have been extremely busy for fire and rescue crews across Wales who have been dealing with several wildfire incidents. 

"Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) have attended over 490 wildfire incidents so far in 2023, of these incidents, 341 of them are believed to have been started deliberately."