THE FIRE service has called on the public to help stamp out the ‘mindless devastating behaviour’ of those who deliberately set grass fires after two mountains were ravaged by fires in Blaenau Gwent.

Firefighters from seven stations in Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent worked in shifts throughout the night on Saturday and continue to battle a 20 hectare fire on the Arael mountain above Roseheyworth tonight.

The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the grass and bracken fire just before 9pm on Saturday and sent 25 firefighters, who were relieved by the same number at around 1am, all from stations in Brynmawr, Abergavenny, New Inn, Abercarn, Monmouth, Usk and Blaenavon using all-terrain argo cats, water bowsers and beaters. Two crews remain at the scene.

In Rassau, near Ebbw Vale, two fire crews are still tackling a mountain woodland fire of one-and-a-half hectares of felled trees, bracken and gorse next to Rassau Industrial Estate. The fire had been burning since around 6pm on Saturday night with fire crews using an all terrain argo cat and beaters to tackle the flames. The cause of both grass fires has yet to be determined.

Steve Rossiter, head of service performance and communications at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said the mountainous terrain made it difficult for crews to get to the fires and that the current weather, combined with fire retardant uniforms, mean it’s both physically demanding and challenging for the crews.

He said the service is very stretched, taken 5,392 calls since April 1 and 917 calls between 8am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday, with 44 of those related to grass fires.

Mr Rossiter called on communities to work with the service, to take a positive stance and not to put up with this behaviour.

“Help stamp out this mindless devastating behaviour once and for all,” he urged.

He said the service is starting to work with comprehensive schools across the force to emphasis the hazards associated with deliberate fires as part of its crime safety education initiative.

Huw Jakeway, chief fire officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service added that prosecutions will be made against those committing arson following more than 173 deliberate grass fires in Gwent in the last two weeks.

Mr Jakeway said: “We are urging our communities to think about the consequences of deliberate fire setting and the impact on the countryside and wildlife, as well as the risks to our firefighters and their safety when tackling these incidents.”

“Deliberate grass fires are an act of arson, which is a serious crime and we work closely with both police services to bring those responsible to justice.”

Gwent Police warned that arsonists face a two year prison sentence and/or a £5,000 fine if caught and prosecuted. Anyone who has information about a deliberate grass fire can call 101 or the fire crime unit on 01443 232380.