Firefighters tackle 12 hectare wildfire in Abertridwr

Last night (21st March 2022) crews from across South Wales and Specialist Wildfire Officers attended the scene of a well-developed grass fire in Abertridwr, covering 12 hectares.

Firefighters used specialist equipment, including hose reel jets and fire beaters to extinguish the fire and local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed at this time due to the accumulation of smoke.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, John Treherne, said: 

“On Monday the 21st of March 2022, crews from Caerphilly, Whitchurch and Tonypandy and Specialist Wildfire Officers attended the scene of a grass fire in Abertridwr. This was a large, well-developed grass fire which covered approximately 12 hectares.

The fire was in close proximity to residential properties and without the swift actions and intervention of our crews, the outcome could have been very different.

Deliberately starting a fire is a crime and puts the lives at risk. Wildfires impact our communities across Wales and draw fundamental and valuable resources away from our communities, placing unnecessary risk on lives.”

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is part of Operation Dawns Glaw, a multi-agency taskforce of specialist from key agencies across Wales to reduce, and where possible eliminate the impact of grass fires across Wales. Every year, fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of hectares of countryside, open space and wildlife habitats. We will continue to work with our communities and partner agencies to reduce the risk and impact of grass fires.

We would urge anyone who has information on suspected deliberate fires, or sees anything suspicious to contact 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you see a grass fire, or anyone starting a grass fire, please call 999 immediately.