## Public Urged to Avoid Two Welsh Beauty Spots as Wildfire Reignites
Authorities have called on the public to steer clear of two popular countryside areas in the valleys after a serious fire broke out, prompting a significant emergency response. Firefighters and environmental officers remain on the scene at Mynydd Maerdy and Cefn y Rhondda as blazes continue to threaten the picturesque landscape, reigniting concerns about both safety and the ongoing risk of wildfires as dry conditions persist.
The incident began on Friday evening, when emergency services received reports around 5pm of a substantial fire consuming large areas of grassland and parts of the forest behind Pentre Road, Maerdy. Initial efforts by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service managed to suppress the blaze overnight, but early Saturday morning saw embers flare up again in multiple locations, requiring renewed action.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), in collaboration with the fire service, has been monitoring the affected areas to assess the damage and assist with ongoing firefighting efforts. Specialist teams have been dispatched to advise the fire service on environmental impact, as well as to coordinate strategies for containing the fire’s spread. As a result of the continuing danger, NRW issued a clear message for would-be visitors to keep away.
“We strongly advise the public not to walk or cycle through Mynydd Maerdy and Cefn y Rhondda while this situation is unfolding, for everyone’s safety,” an NRW spokesperson stated. “Forest paths and public rights of way within these locations should not be used until the authorities confirm it is safe to do so. Our officers remain on site and are supporting the response, continuing to provide advice and support to the fire service as long as necessary.”
The impact on the local ecosystem is a growing concern. Large sections of land within the Welsh Government Woodland Estate have so far been affected, with environmental officials keen to assess both immediate and long-term damage as soon as they are able to safely access all areas. This wildfire serves as a stark reminder of how quickly natural beauty spots can be threatened, especially in periods of little rainfall.
South Wales Police have confirmed that, at this stage, there have been no arrests linked to the fire. Nevertheless, they have initiated referrals for anti-social behaviour, recognising the possibility that the incident might not have been entirely accidental. The police urge anyone who witnesses suspicious activities in the area to report them directly or through CrimeStoppers.
A statement from South Wales Police reads: “Emergency services were called at 5pm yesterday (Friday 9 May) to attend a fire at a large grassed area and part of the forest near Pentre Road, Maerdy. Although there have been no arrests to date, anti-social behaviour referrals will be processed as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The fire underscores the heightened risk faced during extended dry spells, which can quickly transform grasslands and forests into tinderboxes. Fire service officials remind the public to report any signs of fire immediately. “Prompt reporting saves both valuable natural habitats and, quite possibly, lives,” commented a member of the fire crew involved.
For now, both residents and visitors are asked to be patient and vigilant, avoiding the restricted areas and cooperating with the instructions of emergency service teams as they work to bring the situation under control. The authorities will provide updates as conditions evolve and as the safety of these cherished green spaces can be assured once again.
The present situation is a sobering illustration of the fragility of the natural environment in the face of fire. As investigations continue and the response unfolds, local communities and environmental advocates alike hope for a swift resolution—one that minimises both harm to habitats and disruption to those who treasure Wales’ wild landscapes.