Yet another dangerous grass fire hits Valleys

FIREFIGHTERS received dozens of calls when a wildfire swept through grassland close to one of South Wales’ busiest roads.

More than 50 calls were made to 999 when the blaze was spotted near the A470 at Merthyr Tydfil.

The latest in a series of fires to hit the South Wales Valleys in recent weeks came as weather forecasters reported last month was one of the driest Aprils on record.

Emergency crews were continuing to monitor the fire yesterday, hours after it was first spotted late on Monday. It was described as being “well alight and high visible” from the busy road just before 11pm on Monday.

Fire crews from Merthyr and Treharris attended and monitored the fire but were hampered by dangerous terrain and poor light.

It was brought under control but one crew remained at the scene yesterday morning as the tops of some high trees were still alight.

Met Office forecasters yesterday revealed April was the eighth driest in Wales since 1910, when records began.

It continued a six-month trend, with rainfall from October to March 24% lower than average – the driest period since 2010/11.

The more recent dry weather has been caused by an area of high pressure sitting above the UK.

A Met Office spokeswoman said: “We have had what we call a blocking pattern – it means there is high pressure across the whole of the UK throughout April, and when we have high pressure that is when the air is sinking and it then acts as block.

“Most of our rain comes from the Atlantic and the blocking pattern means we don’t see as much of those weather systems.

“Another fact in the dry temperatures is the wind which is coming from the east. That is now slipping away and coming from a southerly direction. The weather will now start to change.”

The dry conditions could have a knock-on effect for gardeners and shoppers.

Experts have warned of a potential shortage of British apples, pears and berries – which have all been affected by dry conditions over winter – which could lead to higher prices in the shops.

Potatoes, vine fruits and asparagus are also at risk of being hit by drought and late frosts.

Peter Mills, gardening advisor with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), blamed a double whammy of freak weather.

Mr Mills said: “I have been speaking to nursery suppliers and growers and they say they have never seen a spring like it.

“The hard frosts which hit at the start of the month have knocked out all the vegetables and fruit crops with apples, blackcurrants, potatoes, asparagus all affected.

“This is definitely going to affect fruit and vegetable supplies through the summer and we could see food prices rise as a result.”