Three teenagers arrested for arson as fire crews and 200 soldiers battle on – live updates

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has issued the below update on Monday afternoon:

“Our crews, partners and the military continue to work together at wildfire incidents across South Wales.

“We are grateful for the continued support and co-operation of our colleagues, partners and communities, who are all pulling together as part of a co-ordinated effort to bring this major incident to a close.

“Our ongoing response continues to be supported by several fire and rescue services from across the UK.

“Following our request for military assistance, using the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities process, teams from the British Army are deployed on the ground, creating fire breaks and clearing vegetation. They are also assisting with logistics, including the transportation of large quantities of firefighting water to the incident ground.

“Army support is currently focussed at the ongoing incidents in Treherbert, Cwm in Ebbw Vale and Dowlais in Merthyr Tydfil.

“Today, we continue to deal with the incidents at Blaenavon, Cwm, Dowlais, Wattsville, and Treherbert. We are also in attendance at Rudry Common in Caerphilly County, where we are dealing with a re-ignition which occurred yesterday evening.

“To support ongoing firefighting operations and ensure the safety of helicopters and emergency responders, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has established a Temporary Restricted Area for unmanned aircraft or drones. This means it is currently not permitted to fly any personal drones within the restricted SWFRS area.

“We continue to ask the public for help and to play their part in helping prevent further wildfires by asking residents, landowners, and visitors to report any suspicious behaviour or deliberate fire setting to police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”