A huge fire has broken out on the side of a mountain in the Rhondda Fach valley.
Local resident Peter Cook said he first noticed the wildfire on the side of Maerdy Mountain at around 6am on Friday.
The fire service remained at the scene at lunchtime on Friday and all nearby residents have been asked to keep doors and windows closed.
Mr Cook said the fire had spread rapidly and appeared to be working its way down the mountain towards the village.
He said: “I was in the garden doing some gardening when I heard crackling. I though: ‘What’s that?’ Then I looked up and saw the fire.”
The mountainside grass fire in Maerdy near Highfield Road(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The fire is releasing plumes of grey smoke which can be seen from miles away.
A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) spokesman said: “SWFRS are currently in attendance at a large-scale fire at Maerdy Mountain, Ferndale.
“Crews, appliances, and specialist equipment including an all-terrain vehicle from Tonypandy, Maesteg, Ferndale, Treorchy, Hirwaun, Abercynon, and Cardiff Central are currently at the scene.
“Residents in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
Residents have been advised to shut all doors and windows(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
“Please avoid the area to allow emergency services access and to support the ongoing response.”
This blaze is one of several ongoing wildfires being tackled by fire services in Wales on Friday.
Since Sunday SWFRS has been tackling a huge wildfire in Blaenavon and North Wales Fire and Rescue has been tackling wildfires at the Rhinogydd mountains near Harlech, which first ignited 11 days ago.
On Wednesday the Welsh Government said it had activated “crisis management arrangements” in response to the large number of significant wildfires.
Public Health Wales has issued fresh advice for people living in areas affected by smoke saying it can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat and may cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
“Stay indoors and keep windows closed. If you are travelling keep your vehicle windows closed and switch air conditioning to recirculation mode. Keep inhalers and medication with you,” their advice states.
“If you have symptoms and they do not improve when inside, away from smoke or ash, ask for advice from your GP or NHS 111.”
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