Overview
- South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident in the Rhondda valley, deploying about 20 engines, two specialist wildfire teams and drones and saying crews expect firefighting and controlled burns to continue for several days.
- A rapid field fire in Harvington forced dozens of people to evacuate on Sunday and was brought under control after roughly four hours with no injuries reported.
- Firefighters battled a large farm inferno at Milton Farm near Shobdon that sent thick smoke for miles and required crews to protect a nearby power substation before the response was scaled down.
- A hay‑laden lorry fire closed the M4 westbound between junctions 15 and 16 for more than five hours on Monday, causing long delays but no serious injuries, and the carriageway has since reopened.
- Fire services nationwide are issuing stronger prevention warnings, urging people to avoid disposable barbecues and to report fires immediately as unusually dry weather and low July rainfall have increased wildfire risk and stretched resources.