Firefighters continue to fight a wildfire in Llangynidr around the clock as the total area of the blaze spans to the size of almost 600 football pitches.

That is roughly double the size of the recent Blaenavon wildfire which covered an area of almost 200 hectares at its height. While that separate incident has been contained, the peat underground continues to burn and the impact is being felt by those who rely on the land.

Meanwhile, crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene near Llangynidr Reservoir alongside each other on the boundary between Powys and Blaenau Gwent.

A spokesperson for the former of those services has said it is grateful to all those involved in the attempt to extinguish yet another Welsh wildfire.

“The fire currently covers an estimated 400 hectares, with crews remaining on scene supported by specialist resources, including water bowsers, all-terrain vehicles, 4x4s, national resilience assets and a helicopter assisting operations,” they sais.

“Due to a change in wind direction today, smoke from the wildfire is now affecting areas including Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Pontypool and Newport.”

Meanwhile, local roads including the Llangynidr Mountain Road remain closed to keep the public safe and prioritise access for emergency services. Access to the mountain from Llangynidr and Llangattock in Powys, and Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, is cut off.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council has urged the public to respect the temporary restrictions while the incident is ongoing.

“Please respect diversion routes and restrictions to ensure emergency services have the space and access needed to carry out their work safely and effectively,” a spokesperon said.

“If wildfire smoke is affecting your area, stay indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed. Once the smoke has cleared and it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to help ventilate your home. Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should ensure they have access to any medication they may require and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.”