80-hectare wildfire spreads across Blaenavon
Smoke is reportedly being seen as far south as Cardiff
Last updated 21st Jul 2026
Fire crews were initially called to the Blaenavon area, in Torfaen, at 8.42pm on July 19.
By Tuesday morning, the wildfire covered 80 hectares of mixed land of bracken and gorse.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews had been working in “challenging conditions” because of the terrain, access and wind conditions.
Smoke from the incident is impacting a “large area of south Wales”, the fire service added, with smoke reported as far south as Caerphilly and Cardiff.
Residents and businesses have been advised to keep windows and doors shut.
On Tuesday afternoon, the fire service released footage of the scene taken by drone.
A spokesperson said: “This drone footage of the current wildfire in Blaenavon is now an integral part of our firefighting operation.
“Our specialist drone pilot is able to livestream a bird’s-eye view of the fire to our control room and command suite, which helps inform our strategy and tactics on the incident ground.
“While this technology helps enormously, as a fire service, we still absolutely rely on the courage and professionalism of our crews. Thank you to everyone involved in this team effort.”
Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the area affected by the wildfire.
Smoke is reportedly being seen as far south as Cardiff.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service's full statement is as follows:
"Crews spent the night dealing with a significant wildfire in the Blaenavon area, having received the initial call at 20.42 on Sunday 19th July.
"This morning, six appliances and a water bowser remain at the scene, supported by SWFRS tactical wildfire officers who are specially trained and highly skilled in responding to these incidents.
"The wildfire currently covers around 80 hectares of mixed land of bracken and gorse. Crews have been working in challenging conditions due to the terrain, access and the wind conditions.
"A change in wind direction overnight has seen smoke from the incident impacting a large area of South Wales, and is reported as far south as Caerphilly and Cardiff. SWFRS is advising anyone affected by this smoke to close their windows and doors.
"SWFRS is receiving a high volume of calls reporting the smoke, however the Service would like to reassure communities that they are aware and are dealing with the incident which has caused it.
"People are being advised to stay away from the area, to allow the emergency response to continue. "