Fire on Llanwonno Mountain in Rhondda Valley Now Being Treated As Deliberate

The fire, which started Saturday afternoon near Ferndale, has kept crews at the scene for days. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said deliberate fire-setting was reported overnight Monday, even as crews worked to contain the existing inferno. The incident remains a major one due to the scale and challenging conditions, including poor visibility from low cloud, mist and rain.

A specialist helicopter has been secured but cannot deploy because of weather. No evacuations have been ordered, but a rest centre is open for residents concerned about air quality. Crews advise keeping windows and doors closed and seeking medical advice for smoke-related health issues.

Road closures remain, and the public is urged to avoid the area. Anyone with information can call South Wales Police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or speak to patrolling officers.