August 12, 2026 - 180 views
Residents across North Wales are being urged to keep their doors and windows closed as smoke from wildfires burning many miles away in South Wales drifts across the region.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service says its control room has received a large number of calls from people reporting smoke and a haze in the air.
The service has confirmed that the smoke is travelling north from wildfires currently burning in South Wales, rather than being caused by incidents in North Wales.
Residents who have noticed the smell of burning or seen smoke are being asked not to call the fire service unless they believe there is an actual fire in their area.
The fire service said: "Our control room is receiving a lot of calls this morning relating to smoke."
It added that the smoke is travelling from the wildfires currently burning in South Wales and advised anyone affected to keep windows and doors closed.
The smoke is being carried an unusually long distance because of the current weather conditions, with Wales experiencing exceptionally dry and hot conditions.
One of the major incidents is around Llangynidr Reservoir, near Ebbw Vale, in Blaenau Gwent. Firefighters from both South Wales and Mid and West Wales have been working to contain the moorland fire, with a specialist helicopter brought in to help tackle the blaze. Smoke from the incident has already been reported in communities including Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Pontypool, Newport and Tredegar.
Another significant wildfire is on Llanwonno Mountain, around Penrhys and Ferndale in Rhondda Cynon Taf. That fire was previously declared a major incident and, after being brought under control, was reignited. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service says the latest fire was caused by deliberate fire-setting, with police patrols in the area.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is also reminding people that the dry conditions mean the risk of fires remains extremely high.
Anyone who sees an actual fire should call 999 immediately. People are being asked not to make unnecessary calls about smoke alone, so that emergency control room staff and telephone lines remain available for genuine emergencies.
The public is also being urged to take extra care outdoors, avoid activities that could accidentally start a fire and follow local safety advice.
With the exceptionally dry conditions continuing, fire services across Wales remain under significant pressure dealing with wildfires and the threat of further outbreaks.
