The wildfire at Llangynidr Reservoir near Ebbw Vale remains under control, with firefighters and partner agencies continuing to make positive progress as operations remain focused on extinguishing hotspots and preventing re-ignition.
Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene, supported by specialist resources, as work continues to fully extinguish the fire and ensure affected areas can be made safe.
Firefighters have continued to make positive progress over the past 24 hours, with containment measures remaining effective across the incident ground. The wildfire remains stable, and crews are concentrating their efforts on extinguishing isolated hotspots and reducing the risk of any resurgence of fire.
Although the wildfire remains stable and under control, residents may occasionally notice flare-ups of smoke as crews continue their work across the incident ground. These temporary increases in smoke are anticipated as firefighters expose, cool and extinguish hotspots hidden beneath the surface. Such activity is a normal part of the extinguishment process and should not be interpreted as a significant change in the incident.
Road closures remain in place, and members of the public are urged to continue respecting restrictions and diversion routes. These measures remain necessary to protect public safety and ensure emergency vehicles and specialist resources can access and operate in the area safely and effectively.
In recognition of the significant progress made in bringing the wildfire under control, the multi-agency Tactical Coordination Group (TCG) established in response to the incident has now been placed into dormancy. This reflects the increasingly stable nature of the incident and the effectiveness of the coordinated response to date. Should circumstances change, the group can be reconvened at short notice to provide strategic oversight and coordination.
While the TCG has been stood down, a coordinated multi-agency response remains in place. Emergency services and partner organisations will continue to work closely together to monitor conditions, manage any ongoing risks, support affected communities and progress recovery planning as firefighting operations continue.
As positive progress continues to be made on the incident ground, partner agencies are also beginning to consider the longer-term environmental impacts of the wildfire and any future restoration work that may be required. Natural Resources Wales will continue working with Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and other partners to assess the effects of the wildfire on local habitats, species and landscapes.
Although significant progress has been made, firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for the foreseeable future while work continues to fully extinguish the fire and minimise the risk of any further flare-ups.
Public Safety Advice
To support the ongoing response and protect public safety, members of the public are asked to:
- Stay away from the affected area to allow emergency services to operate safely and effectively.
- Do not ignore or move road closure signs. They are in place for your safety and to ensure emergency services can continue their work.
- Avoid flying drones in the area, as they can disrupt emergency operations and pose a risk to personnel.
- Take extra care when travelling, as smoke may still affect visibility in some locations.
- Limit time spent outdoors where smoke is particularly noticeable.
- If wildfire smoke is affecting your area, stay indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed. Once conditions improve, ventilate your property as normal.
- Those with respiratory conditions, including asthma or COPD, should ensure they have access to any medication they may require and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
We recognise the disruption this incident has caused for residents and local communities and would like to thank everyone for their continued patience, understanding and cooperation. We also recognise the professionalism, commitment and dedication of the firefighters, emergency responders and partner agencies involved in the response. Their efforts have enabled significant progress to be made in bringing the wildfire under control and will continue to play a vital role in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion in the coming days.