South Wales Police warned there was a ‘large amount of smoke and ash falling in the area’
16:58, 10 May 2025Updated 19:21, 10 May 2025
A helicopter is now being used to help control the fire(Image: Natural Resources Wales)
A helicopter has been brought in to help tackle a huge fire in south Wales. Locals have been told to stay indoors and keep all doors and windows closed while emergency services deal with the major fire.
Emergency services were called to the incident at a large grassed area and part of the forestry behind Pentre Road, Maerdy, at 5pm on Friday, May 9, you can read more here. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service brought the fire under control, but some locations reignited on Saturday morning (May 10).
Now Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has said an NRW-contracted helicopter has been used to help with the blaze.
Posting to Facebook, NRW said: “An NRW-contracted firefighting helicopter is currently helping to tackle the wildfires near #Maerdy
“If you are upwind of the plume, please follow South Wales Fire and Rescue Service advice to keep doors and windows closed where possible, due to the smoke.”
There is a lot of smoke(Image: No credit)
South Wales Police have also issued a warning about a road closure on Park Street in Ferndale.
A spokesperson said: “We are at the scene of a large fire on Park street in Ferndale.
“The road is currently closed in both directions between Brynhyfryd Terrace in Ferndale and Cynllwyndu Road in Tylorstown. It is expected to remain closed for some time.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Delays are expected in the area.
“Local residents are also advised to remain inside and keep their windows closed due to the large amount of smoke and ash falling in the area.” Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
A spokesman for South Wales Police previously said no arrests have been made in relation to the incident but that anti-social behaviour referrals had been made.
The spokesman said: “Emergency services were called at 5pm yesterday (Friday May 9) to a fire at a large, grassed area and part of the forestry behind Pentre Road, Maerdy.
“No arrests have been made, but ASB referrals are to be submitted.”
Photos show smoke from the fire
Natural Resources Wales officers are at the scene on Saturday, continuing to support the fire service.
A spokesman said: “A wildfire encroached on to the Welsh Government Woodland Estate close to Maerdy, Rhondda Cynon Taff yesterday evening (Friday, May 9).
“South Wales Fire and Rescue Service put the fire under control yesterday, but some locations have reignited this morning (Saturday, May 10).
“We are urging people to stay away from Mynydd Maerdy and Cefn y Rhondda for their safety.
“Please do not use the public rights of way through the forests or access the common land close to Maerdy while this incident is ongoing.
Emergency services are in attendance (Image: No credit)
“Our officers are attending the site to provide advice and information to the fire service and assess the damage to the land in our care. We will continue to support the fire service as required to help extinguish this fire.
“The recent dry spell of weather has increased the fire risk at this time. If anyone sees a fire, please report it to the fire service immediately.
“If anyone witnesses fires being set, they should report their concerns to Crimestoppers or the police.”