Huge wildfire rages for THIRD day as major incident declared in UK village – after blaze ‘deliberately started’

BLAZES are being “deliberately” started near a village where crews have been battling a major wildfire for three days in a row. The inferno at Llanwonno, in the Rhondda Valley, Wales, has scorched land the size of 200 football pitches so far. A major incident has been declared as the wildfire rages Credit: PA The three day inferno was allegedly started deliberately Credit: PA South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said there were reports of “deliberate fire-setting” on the mountain overnight as they remain tirelessly at the scene. The fire has been declared a major incident due to the scale of the blaze and the “challenging” mountainous conditions. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Photos snapped yesterday show plumes of smoke billowing close to homes in the hillside village of Blaenllechau. Officials said the fire has burned around 150 hectares of land, which is around the size of 200 football pitches. Officials said land the size of 20 football pitches has been scorched Credit: media Wales Locals have been advised to keep their doors and windows shut Credit: PA A specialist helicopter is said to have been secured to help crews fight the blaze but is not able to be used due to poor weather conditions. Locals have been advised to keep their doors and windows shut and a rest centre has been set up for those wanting to escape the poor air quality. Road closures remain in place as members of the public are urged to avoid the area. Yesterday afternoon, SWFRS declared the blaze a “major incident” as 20 fire engines remained at the scene. Most read in The Sun There are also two specialist wildfire teams, senior officers, a high-volume pumping unit and drone capability on the ground. SWFRS said: “The fire, which began on Saturday afternoon, has affected forestry plantation land and common land, involving bracken, scrub and vegetation across an area estimated at around 150 hectares at its largest extent. “Crews have been working continuously in challenging conditions on steep and difficult terrain, creating and maintaining firebreaks to contain the spread of the fire and protect nearby communities. “While firefighters made good progress in reducing the size of the fire, changing wind conditions on Sunday evening led to an increase in firefighting activity and resources.” Today, a spokesperson added: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to work with partner agencies to contain and extinguish the wildfire on Llanwonno mountain in Ferndale and prevent further spread, helping to protect nearby properties and communities. “There were reports of deliberate fire-setting on the mountain last night. We ask anyone with information to call South Wales Police. “Firefighters worked throughout the night in challenging conditions to tackle the fire and protect properties. “The incident remains a major incident due to the ongoing scale of the wildfire and challenging conditions on the mountain, including poor visibility caused by today’s low cloud, mist and rain.”