AN ARSON attack - the second in four days - destroyed a large area of Gwent moorland yesterday, prompting fears of a wave of deliberately-set fires.

Up to thirty firefighters battled a blaze covering almost 15 acres of wildlife habitat at Pwlldu near Blaenavon, close to the Blorenge Mountain - the scene of major devastation last year, when fires burned for nearly eight weeks.

A helicopter was scrambled, and crews came from Ebbw Vale, Abertillery, Blaenavon and Abersychan attended, after being alerted just before midday.

Firefighters tackled the blaze caused by a sick firebug within an hour using beaters. Officers in the air continued to circle the area for a further hour, keeping watch for any new flare-ups.

On Sunday, 16 firefighters attended nearby Garn-yr-Erw after half a square mile of grass and bracken was set alight. Assistant divisional officer Roger Price told the Argus he believed both fires were caused deliberately.

Mr Price said: "This is a cause of grave concern to us, given last year's problems, and when you consider it is not even Easter yet.

"It was a wide fire front and even a slight breeze can make it spread a considerable distance. Luckily, we were able to control it quite quickly.

"But the fact remains, this is an area of special scientific interest which was destroyed, and it will take many years to regenerate."

Mr Price said the fire was a "considerable distance" from any homes or other buildings.

He added: "We take appropriate measures to warn the public if that is the case."

A Gwent Police spokesperson confirmed officers were investigating the blaze.

Last year's fires on the Blorenge Mountain devastated about four to five square miles of natural heather moorland habit for birds and other animals, and demanded major resources from South Wales Fire Service.

At its height last May, up to 16 fire engines were on duty, and the bill for the worst two days of the operation topped £91,000. The total cost is estimated at several hundred thousand pounds.

Blaenavon's world heritage site warden, Alvin Nicholas said yesterday's blaze had caused substantial damage to the area's eco-system, which could take decades to recover. "The problems are multi-layered - it has severely affected the habit for grouse and skylark both of which are rare here.

"In addition, as well as looking unsightly the lack of vegetation could disturb historic coal tips, if there is a lot of moisture, causing more damage."