Locals are stepping up to help battle a major woodland fire near Blaenavon, with farmers and contractors joining the fight as the blaze continues to tear through Cwmavon woodland.
The fire has been burning for some time now, and with emergency services stretched, the community has taken matters into its own hands. Local farmers and contractors have been bringing in their own machinery and equipment to help tackle the flames, answering what many are describing as desperate cries for help from those on the ground.
A fundraiser has now been launched to help cover the costs being racked up by those volunteers. Fuel, machinery and equipment do not come cheap, and the people giving up their time and resources to protect the woodland need support to keep going.
Cwmavon woodland sits near the historic town of Blaenavon in Torfaen, an area already recognised for its natural and industrial heritage. Seeing it threatened by fire has hit hard for many local residents, who have watched helplessly as the blaze spreads through trees and undergrowth.
Woodland fires can be notoriously difficult to bring under control, particularly on steep or hard to reach terrain. Heavy machinery from local farms can prove invaluable in situations like this, helping to create firebreaks and move resources into areas that standard fire engines simply cannot access.
The response from the community has been described as overwhelming, with people keen to do whatever they can to protect the land. Those involved have been working long hours in tough conditions, and the fundraiser is seen as a way for people who cannot be there in person to still make a real difference.
Anyone wanting to support the effort can contribute to the fundraiser, which will go directly towards covering the costs of the community response. Every bit helps when volunteers are burning through fuel and putting their own equipment on the line.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and residents in the area are being kept updated as the response continues. The hope is that with enough hands on deck and the right resources, the fire can be brought under control before it causes further damage to this much loved stretch of Welsh woodland.