Large Grassfire in Wattsville affects 80 Hectares of Grassland and Forestry

At lunchtime yesterday (15th April 2020), we received reports of a large grass fire at the rear of Black Vein Industrial Estate, Wattsville.

Upon arrival, the crews were faced with a fire spreading quickly to affect 80 hectares of grassland and forestry.

Over the duration of the incident South Wales Fire and Rescue Service deployed six fire engines, two specialist wildfire vehicles and a helicopter to the scene and worked in partnership with Gwent Police, Natural Resources Wales and the local authority.

This was another difficult and challenging incident undertaken by partners over many hours to bring this fire under control. Emergency services remained at  the scene until the evening dealing with small pockets of fire and smoke and to ensure the fire did not impact or effect the surrounding communities.

Incident Commander, Group Manager Matt Jones, said: “We ask members of the public to pass on any information they may have which would can assist us in identifying the cause of this fire. Our crews from all over South Wales have been working in difficult, challenging conditions to ensure the fire does not spread and impact the local community and further damage the surrounding area and wildlife. Anyone who has information about the deliberate grass fires should contact 101 immediately, or they call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Anybody who sees a fire, or anyone starting a fire, should call 999 immediately.”