Military Deployed to Help Tackle Wildfires Across Wales

The military has been deployed to help tackle wildfires across Wales.

Personnel and an Army helicopter are supporting firefighters in Cwmavon, Torfaen council has said.

People have been warned not to fly drones in the area because they will interfere with the military helicopter, and a fire service drone.

Meanwhile, police investigating a "deliberate fire" on the mountain near Pleasant Heights, Porth, said on Friday they had arrested four 14-year-old boys from Porth on suspicion of arson. They are on police bail.

The UK government issued an emergency alert to phones across England and Wales on Friday evening saying there was "a very high risk of wildfires nationally".

On Friday, Stephen Kinnock, Secretary of State for Wales, said military personnel had been deployed for logistical support and to help "ease the pressure on the ground".

Despite cooler temperatures on Saturday, crews across Wales are continuing to battle fires.

Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) said crews had spent more than 90 hours on "operational incidents" in Llanwrtyd Wells, Merthyr Tydfil and Ebbw Vale.

"It has been tough, however, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received during this time," the service said, thanking local businesses "that have kept us fuelled with food and drinks".

Residents had been evacuated from their homes after a fire near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, with a councillor describing the situation as "scary", as the fire made its way towards the village.