FOOTAGE has emerged of firefighters tackling a woodland blaze that has burned across nearly 100 hectares. 

Crews have been tackling the fire on the Rhigos Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taf, which began last week and reignited on Tuesday.

One line at outdoor attraction Zip World Tower had to close, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) chiefs said the blaze threatened a young tree plantation. 

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service asked people to avoid the area.

NRW duty tactical manager Sally Davies told the BBC: “Our officers have been working with South Wales Fire and Rescue since we became aware of the current fire on Rhigos Mountain on Tuesday.

“Controlled burning and fire breaks are being used to slow the spread of the fire which now covers around 40 hectares. Several fire engines and sprinter vans have been brought in to assist with controlling the blaze, as well as a helicopter."

Craig Hope, wildfires tactical advisor at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said that "fire engines can’t be in two places at once” and “there is a strain resources.

Craig, who helped teams tackle the blaze on Tuesday, added to the national broadcaster: "We will always have resources available to respond to property fires”.

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From 1 April to 11 June 2023, the service has responded to almost 400 deliberate grass and wildfires that have destroyed natural habitats and caused significant damage.

Gareth O’Shea, executive director of operations at NRW, said: “Wildfires threaten both the people and property of communities, it threatens wildlife and causes huge habitat damage.

“We will continue to work with the fire service to slow the spread of the current fires and safeguard the nearby communities and wildlife.

“Through working together across government, charities, landowners, and our public services we can create a sustainable approach to preventing large scale wildfires, which is imperative in the face of a climate and nature emergency.”