Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Katie-Ann Gupwell

The staggering and depressing number of deliberate grass fires that have happened across south Wales in little over a month

More devastating images have emerged over the weekend of grass fires being started in south Wales.

One of the latest fires to be captured took place on Saturday at an area near allotments in Cilfynydd, near Pontypridd.

It comes after two fires were reported in Rhondda Cynon Taf back last week.

Another was also reported in Swansea over the weekend.

When asked about the incident in Cilfynydd, a spokeswoman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "At approximately 7.54pm on April 4 we received reports of a grass fire on Cilfynydd Common, Pontypridd.

"A crew from Pontypridd attended the scene and extinguished the fire which had spread approximately two acres.

"A stop message was received at 9.05pm."

Fire fighters tackle a fire on Thomas Street in Abercregan (South Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

On Sunday there was also a fire reported in Abercregan, Neath Port Talbot.

Officers were called to the incident at approximately 8.51pm on Sunday, April 5 at Thomas Street.

Crews attended the scene and extinguished the fire which had spread two hectres. Firefighters left the scene at 9.38pm.

According to statistics from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, officers have attended 158 deliberate grass fires and 176 deliberate refuse fires between March 1 and April 5.

From Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5, officers attended 37 grass fires - with 30 deemed suspected to be deliberate alone.

On Monday South Wales Fire and Rescue Service also alerted people to the damage that's been caused by deliberate fires on Twitter.

The post read: "Once again over the weekend we attended a number of deliberate wildfires, taking our crews out of their communities, where they are most needed!

"Arson is a crime putting lives at risk and damaging our beautiful Wales.

"Report arson to @swpolice on 101 or @Wales_CS @FearlessORG #DawnsGlaw "

Last week, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service urged communities to report any suspicious activity to police, and to pass on full descriptions of those responsible including clothing and direction of travel.

As well as causing damage to property and wildlife, the swathes of thick smoke from fires can increase the risk to the elderly and vulnerable people with medical conditions.

Healthcare professionals have highlighted the dangers of smoke caused by grass fires to Covid-19 sufferers who may be living nearby.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.