CREWS BATTLE FOREST FIRE
FIREFIGHTERS yesterday tackled a large forest fire near two recycling centres.
Huge plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the fire near the Ty Amgen and Bryn Pica sites, near Llwydcoed.
South Wales Police was assisting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in tackling the large fire and a helicopter was seen dousing the area with water.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council said the sites were closed at 2.30pm yesterday and the fire service advised residents living nearby to keep windows and doors closed.
A spokesman for the council said: “The last few days have seen a significant number of grass fires in Rhondda Cynon Taf, in particular at Maerdy, Mountain Ash, and most recently at Llwydcoed.
“The latter fire has resulted in the temporary closure of the Ty Amgen Cymru and Bryn Pica sites at Llwydcoed. Normal service is expected to resume at the site tomorrow.
“South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is once again working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, on both land and from the air with the use of helicopters.
“Grass fires not only destroy our natural habitat and environment, but they also endanger the lives of wildlife, livestock and the general public, as well as the firefighters themselves.
“They also result in the deployment of valuable resources and personnel to contain these fires, resources which may be needed elsewhere.
“There is also a significant cost to the public purse of dealing with these fires.
“Anyone found deliberately starting grass fires face prosecution and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will continue to work in partnership with the emergency services.”
An eyewitness at the scene said: “I think the fire was first noticed at about midday. There’s quite a bit of forestry up here. The spread of the fire is a couple of hundred metres wide I’d say.
“It’s running down the hill. The wind is coming from the east so it’s blowing smoke towards Llwydcoed.”
He added that several emergency crews were at the scene.