Fire crews are preparing to leave the scene of wildfires in the Elan Valley

Fire crews and partner agencies are preparing to leave the scene of wildfires in the Elan Valley after over five days of tackling wildfires.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies, including Natural Resources Wales (NRW), have worked in collaboration to extinguish wildfires near Cwmystwyth in the Elan Valley area.

Fire and Rescue Service personnel are now preparing to leave the scene.

Heavy rain today and the help of the firefighting helicopter has meant the situation has now improved significantly.

While the immediate threat has eased, public health advice remains in place due to any lingering smoke from grass and wildfire activity.

A spokesperson said: “With heavy rainfall in the area today, combined with continued support from the NRW firefighting helicopter, the situation has now improved significantly.

“Public health advice remains in place due to any remaining smoke from grass and wildfire activity:

• Residents should keep doors and windows closed while smoke is present, opening them again when the smoke passes.
• If you are travelling in areas affected by grass fire smoke, keep windows and air vents closed and turn off air conditioning.
• If you are concerned about symptoms caused by smoke, call NHS 111 Wales or visit: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/

“While further showers are forecast over the weekend, all agencies are continuing to urge the public to act responsibly and be #WildfireWise / #DoethiDanauGwyllt:

• Never light fires in the countryside
• Avoid disposable barbecues unless permitted, do not leave them unattended and ensure they are fully extinguished
• Take litter home - glass can magnify sunlight and start fires
• Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999.”