Seven hectares of mountainside destroyed by grass fires across Gwent in one night

Crews from Abersychan tackled a blaze on The British mountain in Talywain, Abersychan, after they were called to the scene at 7.18pm.

One hectare of grass and bracken was destroyed by the fire.

A South Wales Fire Service spokeswoman said beaters and one hose reel were used to tackle the grass fire that was “well alight”.

Crews also tackled a six hectare grass fire on Eglwysilan Mountain in Caerphilly.

Two fire engines from Pontypridd and an Argocat (a four wheeled vehicled used to get better access to mountain ranges) from Tonypandy were used to extinguish the fire.

A fire service spokesman said there were several seats of fire over six hectares.

The incident was first reported at 1.55pm and lasted around six hours.

Tredegar crew also responded to a report of a grass fire on the mountain in Cefn Golau received at 7.56pm.

Jennie Griffiths, head of fire control at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, criticised those responsible for starting grass fires: “Such a shame we can't have a few days of sunshine without people wanting to go out and burn and ruin our Countryside #notograssfires” she tweeted.

Abercarn crews attended a deliberately set fire in the front porch of an empty property in Pontllanfraith at around 7.36pm.

A fire service spokesman said no other parts of the property were affected.

He added that hose reel jets were using to tackle the fire.

Fire service crews were also called out to a small barn fire at Gainsborough Road, Cefn Golau, Tredegar, at around 8pm.

The fire was extinguished and no animals were hurt.