Crews leave the scene of major Kington wildfire after more than 36 hours

Fire crews have left the scene of a major wildfire near Kington and the Welsh border.

Ten crews from Mid Wales with the support of crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have been tackling the fire for more than 36 hours.

They finally left the scene at 1.37am on Friday, July 24.

But they will continue to monitor the area as the hillside will continue to smoulder and residents are advised to call 999 if they have any concerns for their property.

There is no confirmed cause of a major wildlife on Hanter Hill near Kington yet.

The wildfire estimated to cover approximately 100 hectares of gorse and bracken was split into five sectors.

Each Sector was monitored and crews utilised hose reel jets, backpack blowers, beaters, and knapsack sprayers to bring the fire under control.

The water bowser from Llandrindod Wells was also in attendance to keep supplies replenished for each sector.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 12.26pm on Wednesday, July 22, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Presteigne, Knighton, Hay On Wye, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Rhayader, Talgarth, Crickhowell, Llanwrtyd Wells and Llanidloes Fire Stations were mobilised to a wildfire on the hillside at Hanter Lane, Presteigne, with support of colleagues from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

“The wildfire estimated to cover approximately 100 hectares of gorse and bracken was split into five sectors.

“Each Sector was monitored and crews utilised hose reel jets, backpack blowers, beaters, and knapsack sprayers to bring the fire under control.

“The water bowser from Llandrindod Wells was also in attendance to keep supplies replenished for each sector.

“Crews left the scene at 01.37am on Friday, 24th July.

“Crews will monitor the area as the hillside will continue to smoulder. Residents are advised to call 999 should that have any concerns for their property.”

Ed Jones, Powys County Councillor for Old Radnor and one of the graziers with sheep on Hanter Hill gave an update on the situation on Thursday night.

He said the hill was still burning but the situation was looking better.

“The livestock are all safe. Hanter Hill is still burning, but the situation is much better held at bay than earlier.

“The crews from Powys and surrounding stations have been working relentlessly to protect properties and keep the fire contained. They deserve huge thanks for the effort they’ve put in all last night and today.

“At the moment, there is no confirmed cause of the fire. Please ignore any rumours, the fire service have not identified how it started.”

He reminded everyone about some safety instructions while the weather is so dry.

Put cigarette butts out properly and take them home with you.

Avoid disposable BBQs anywhere on the hill or common land.

The ground is like tinder! it doesn’t take much to start a blaze.

“Thanks again to everyone who’s helped, checked in, or offered support,” he said.