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Rhondda Hillside Wildfire Extinguished After Nighttime Evacuations

Authorities now focus on smoke warnings for nearby residents.

Overview

  • Fire crews in the Rhondda brought a mountainside blaze under control on Thursday morning, with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service saying it was out by 5am.
  • The wildfire, which started late Wednesday near Rhondda Golf Club in Penrhys, scorched about 3 km² and was classed as a category-two incident.
  • Fourteen properties were evacuated as a precaution and residents have since returned home.
  • Twelve fire engines from stations across the region responded and crews faced steep slopes and strong winds that made the work harder.
  • South Wales Police closed Penrhys Road during the operation and reopened it shortly before 4am, and officials still advise keeping windows and doors shut because of lingering smoke.