People across Ross-on-Wye and parts of Herefordshire have been reporting a strong smell of smoke, with local fire services confirming it is drifting over from a major wildfire in Wales.
People living in the south Herefordshire town, as well as Hay-on-Wye, Walterstone, Lea and other areas, have taken to social media to report smoky conditions, while one driver described it as “very smokey” on the road between Fownhope and Newent.
Ross East county and town councillor Ed O’Driscoll said he had spoken to firefighters about the reports.
He said: “Reports across Forest of Dean and Ross-on-Wye of smoke in the air – apparently it’s drifting across from a fire in Ebbw Vale.”
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The smell has also been noticed across the Forest of Dean, prompting concerns among residents worried there could be a local wildfire.
Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop said he had contacted the fire service after hearing from residents about the mystery smoke filling the air.
He said: “I’ve been in touch with the fire brigade, who have confirmed that there are currently no forest fires in the Forest of Dean.
“I understand that the smoke affecting the Forest of Dean is coming from a fire in Wales.”
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has also confirmed there are no fires in the Ross-on-Wye area.
The smoke is believed to be coming from a large moorland wildfire near Llangynidr Reservoir, close to Ebbw Vale, where firefighters have been tackling the blaze throughout the weekend.
A major incident has been declared and the South Wales fire service has said the fire is still not under control.
Microlight pilot Tony Scott said he was travelling with a friend from a small airfield on the South Wales coast, near Port Talbot, when he spotted the huge plumes of smoke rising from the wildfire.
Heading back to his base in south Herefordshire on Saturday (August 8), he said the plume of smoke was heading towards Hay-on-Wye.
Earlier, Hereford Fire Station warned that smoke from the wildfire was drifting into parts of Herefordshire.
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The station urged anyone affected to follow Public Health Wales advice and keep windows and doors closed if smoke becomes a problem.
Firefighters in Wales remain at the scene and have said strong winds are continuing to make the incident difficult to tackle.
Anyone who sees a fire locally, or believes there is an immediate risk to people or property, should call 999.