Fire crews and Hanter Hill residents unite to protect property and animals from the flames

Fire crews from across Wales and the borders have worked tirelessly for hours now to tackle a wildfire sweeping across Hanter Hill near Kington.

The fire broke out on the hill, which is right on the border with Wales, at about 12.30pm with fire crews arriving at about 1pm,

A local resident has paid tribute to the fire crews for helping to keep flames away from his house.

A photograph of the fire on Hanter Hill near Kington overnight | Alison Dickerson

placeholder image — A photograph of the fire on Hanter Hill near Kington overnight | Alison Dickerson

Residents praised the swift response of firefighters from Kington, Knighton, Eardisley, Kingsland and elsewhere — who have so far prevented the flames from reaching a property despite challenging conditions.

Local resident Trevor Shetland said crews have remained on the scene for hours and are working relentlessly to keep the fire at bay.

The fire on Hanter Hill | Peterchurch Fire Station

The fire also threatened nearby animals, prompting neighbours to step in and help. Steve, a local landowner, offered the use of one of his fields so that ponies could be moved to safety after becoming distressed by the advancing flames.

As darkness fell, firefighting operations continued, with a crew from Peterchurch remaining on site overnight, supported by an additional crew from South Wales and a water bowser to maintain supplies for the ongoing response.

A photograph showing how the fire is sustaining itself through the ferns and bracken | Peterchurch Fire Station

Although the situation remained under close watch, residents expressed cautious optimism that their homes would remain safe thanks to the firefighters' determined efforts.

The incident has highlighted both the dedication of emergency services and the strength of the local community, with neighbours working together to protect people, property and animals during a difficult and dangerous day.

Residents have praised fire crews from across Wales and the borders for spending hours tackling the Hanter Hill fire | Andy Compton

Trevor paid tribute to everyone involved, saying he was deeply grateful for the firefighters' professionalism and for the kindness shown by those who offered help when it was needed most.

Trevor said: “The fire started around 12.30 on Hanter Hill just off the footpath leading to Hergest Ridge. Fire crews got here around 1pm initially they could not get appliances up to the fire so they had to walk up the steep hill carrying their gear.

“Tony Collier, a resident of Hanter Hilll took a firefighter up the track in his 4x4 Musso to assess whether a fire truck could safely get there. He then ferried fire fighters, spare hoses and drinking water.

The Hanter Hill fire on Wednesday evening | Andy Compton

“Yesterday afternoon there were four appliances here from Kington, Knighton, Carmarthenshire and a water bowser arrived from Leominster. The fire then was approximately 150 metre across and sustained 2 metre high flames.

“The firefighters were deployed to make a break in the fire so it doesn't spread to the nearby holiday cottage. They have also used a drone to survey the area and assist in dealing with the fire.

The fire and plumes of smoke on Hanter Hill | Andy Compton

“Later on they got one appliance half way up Hanter Hill and an extended hose to deliver water to fight the fire.

“Fire crews from Kington, Kingsland, Knighton and Eardisland spent the whole afternoon until 22.20 protecting rock cottage stopping the fire 20 metres from the cottage boundary . The fire is intense with flames 30mtres high.

“We had to evacuate our horses to a neighbouring farm. The fire has now passed Rock Cottage and it is burning fiercely towards upper Hanter. Fire crews have just left Rock cottage and two more crews from South Wales and Peterchurch are on night watch. Thank God for the firefighters.”

Hanter Hill is the 8237th highest peak in the British Isles and the 955th tallest in Wales