Smoke from a major moorland wildfire in south Wales drifted into Herefordshire on Sunday morning, and Hereford Fire Station warned people across the county to take care. The plume was spreading eastwards from the fire near Llangynidr Reservoir, close to Ebbw Vale.
Hereford Fire Station said smoke from the ongoing wildfire near Llangynidr was drifting across to parts of Herefordshire. People from across Herefordshire, including around Hay-on-Wye, reported hazy skies and the smell of smoke as the plume spread eastwards.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were still working on Sunday morning to contain the blaze. The service said crews had been working throughout the weekend alongside partner agencies and specialist contractors at the wildfire near Llangynidr Reservoir.
On Sunday morning, the service said smoke remained visible and was affecting communities in and around the area. It also said the fire continued to present challenges because of the wind.
Herefordshire and Hay-on-Wye
Although the fire was not in Herefordshire, smoke from it had crossed the border and reached parts of the county. For residents around Hay-on-Wye, the practical sign was simple: hazy skies and the smell of smoke were already being reported while the fire crews kept working at the source.
People in Herefordshire were urged to avoid the area and not to fly drones near the incident. A drone near the fire could interfere with the work of crews already trying to hold the blaze in place while the wind kept pushing smoke away from the reservoir area.
The immediate question for people in Herefordshire is how long the plume stays over the county. For now, the fire is still active, the smoke is still visible, and the response is still under way.
