After more than three weeks of burning and two days after military deployment, there is hope that a huge wildfire on the hillside above Blaenavon in south Wales may finally be coming under control.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- The wildfire has been burning for more than three weeks near Blaenavon, above the Ebbw valley.
- The fire has spread over 4,000 hectares (9,800 acres).
- The military deployed to the area two days before the latest reports.
- The blaze has put lives, farmland and property at risk.
- Emergency workers and soldiers described the effort as a gruelling battle against a deep-seated peat fire.
More than three weeks after it began burning, there is hope that a huge wildfire on the hillside above the Ebbw valley village of Blaenavon in south Wales may finally be coming under control, according to the Guardian.
The report comes two days after the military deployed to the area to support emergency services already engaged in the response. Their combined efforts, the Guardian said, appear to be working.
Emergency workers and soldiers described a gruelling battle against the deep-seated peat fire, which has proved difficult to tackle. Peat fires can burn below the surface, making them particularly stubborn and slow to extinguish.
The fire has spread over 4,000 hectares, equivalent to around 9,800 acres, according to the Guardian. It has put lives, farmland and property at risk across the affected hillside.
Despite the signs of progress, the report noted there are fears for the future, indicating that concerns remain even as the immediate situation shows improvement.
The scale and duration of the blaze underline the challenge facing those working to contain it, with the involvement of both emergency services and military personnel reflecting the seriousness of the incident.
Why it matters
Large, long-burning wildfires threaten homes, farmland and lives, and require significant resources including military support to bring under control. Deep-seated peat fires are especially hard to extinguish and can have lasting environmental consequences for the affected landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the south Wales wildfire?
The wildfire is on the hillside above the Ebbw valley village of Blaenavon in south Wales, according to the Guardian.
How large is the fire?
The fire has spread over 4,000 hectares, which is about 9,800 acres, the Guardian reported.
Is the military involved in fighting the fire?
Yes. The military deployed to the area, and their efforts alongside emergency services appear to be working, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- ‘It’s been very tough’: hope of progress in gruelling battle against south Wales wildfire
The Guardian World: Efforts of emergency services and military in Blaenavon appear to be working but there are fears for the future More than three weeks after it began burning and two days after the military deployed to the area, there is hope that the huge wildfire on the hillside above the Ebbw v