Smoke smell sweeps Gloucestershire after huge wildfire in South Wales
Summary
Residents are being advised to consider closing their doors and windows as the stench of smoke sweeps across Gloucestershire this afternoon (Sunday, August 9). Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service believe the smell is linked to a ‘significant fire’ in South Wales, with winds carrying smoke eastward.
Details
GloucestershireLive readers have reported the smell in Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Longlevens, Churchdown, Gloucester and other areas. Group manager Richard Jackson-Lockyer said: “We are aware that some residents across Gloucestershire are reporting seeing and smelling smoke. This is likely to be linked to a significant fire in South Wales, with prevailing winds carrying smoke across the county.
If it is particularly noticeable in your area, you may wish to minimise the opening of windows and doors as a precaution.” Wind conditions are expected to change later this afternoon, which firefighters believe should help. One resident in Hardwicke said the area “smelt like a bonfire”.
Mr Jackson-Lockyer asked residents to play their part in keeping everyone safe: “With the current very dry conditions, we urge residents to remain vigilant and take extra care to help prevent fires.
If you see or suspect a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.” South Wales Fire and Rescue Service says emergency services and partner agencies are working in response to a wildfire affecting 220 hectares of mixed land in the Blaenavon area. A spokesperson said: “We recognise that this incident has caused concern for residents and disruption to the surrounding area.
We would like to thank the public for their patience, cooperation and for the many messages of support received for emergency service personnel and partner agencies working throughout the incident.
The response remains coordinated through multi-agency arrangements, with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health Wales, Aneurin Bevan University Health board, local authorities, Natural Resources Wales, Gwent Police and other partner organisations continuing to work closely together.” Public Health Wales and NHS partners have reminded residents that smoke from wildfires can affect air quality over a wide area, advising via the fire service: “If wildfire smoke is affecting your area, stay indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed.
Once the smoke has cleared and it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to help cool your home and improve ventilation.”
What You Need to Know
Once the smoke has cleared and it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to help cool your home and improve ventilation.”
Report source: Gloucestershire Live