Homes have been evacuated in the area of an ongoing wildfire above Cwmavon, near Blaenavon due to safety concerns surrounding the direction of the fire and swirling smoke.

Torfaen Council confirmed that some people had been asked to leave their homes tonight due to the conditions which are proving difficult for firefighters, farmers, contractors and other individuals involved in their attempt to extinguish the blaze which ignited earlier this week.

“Llanover Road is currently closed and some homes have been evacuated due to the direction of the fire and smoke which is swirling over the common,” a spokesperson for Torfaen Council said.

“The fire in Cwmavon remains ongoing. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their operational activity. Please close windows and doors if you are being affected by the smoke.”

Meanwhile, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has advised people to avoid the area to keep themselves safe and allow emergency services to do their job as effectively as possible.

“We remain in attendance at a wildfire near Cwmavon Woods, Blaenavon, a spokesperson said.

“We urge all members of the public to stay away from Varteg Road to allow our crews and emergency services to operate safely and effectively.”