[REVISION HISTORY]

Wildfires and evacuations intensify across Wales

Updated 16 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-27 06:17 UTC → 2026-08-28 00:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The UK heatwave and severe drought continue to fuel widespread wildfires across Wales, leading to increased emergency responses and evacuations. In the Rhandirmwyn area near Llandovery, a Major Incident remains wildfire situation in ~~place as the Mid and West~~ Wales ~~Fire and Rescue Service battles active fire behavior. The proximity of the blaze~~ has forced the evacuation of several residential properties, with a rest center established at the Llandovery Leisure Centre. Mutual aid is being provided by services from North Wales and Lancashire. In South Wales, a grass fire on Cilfynydd mountain near Pontypridd Golf Club has resulted in road closures, following a previous incident in Porth where four teenagers were arrested. In Powys, a wildfire near Builth Wells has impacted approximately 90 hectares of land, requiring the deployment of twelve crews from stations including Builth Wells and Rhayader. Meanwhile, on Drummau Mountain above Skewen, a fire burned through the night, sending visible flames across the Neath Valley. In Mayhill, a fire affecting two hectares behind Seaview school prompted authorities to advise residents to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke; officials indicated this specific blaze may have resulted from seen a ~~series of deliberately set fires. Following this~~ period of intense ~~activity, fire~~ activity driven by prolonged dry weather and drought, though conditions have recently begun to improve. Fire and rescue services have received formal recognition for their ~~efforts. The~~ efforts during the peak of the crisis. Tom Montgomery MS met with members of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service ~~managed~~ to express gratitude for their work in protecting lives and homes following multiple blazes in locations such as Pentre Halkyn, Brymbo, and Holyhead. To manage the surge in large-scale ~~incidents caused by prolonged dry weather,~~ incidents, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service established a critical incident team. During these operations, farmers provided vital assistance using agricultural equipment and water tankers in remote ~~areas.~~ areas, while mutual aid was provided by services from South Wales, North Wales, and Lancashire. While the overall situation has improved significantly, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service warns that dangers persist. At the peak of the outbreak, the service was managing 14 concurrent wildfires. Emergency crews are currently focused on a 150-hectare blaze at Maerdy Mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Officials have warned that deep-seated hotspots continue to smoulder, which may cause smoke to drift across valley communities. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid walking on burnt land due to hazardous ground temperatures. Additionally, South Wales Police is investigating several incidents of suspected deliberate fire-setting linked to the recent activity.

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