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Residents in Caerphilly County Borough are still being advised to keep windows and doors closed amid the ongoing major wildfire in Blaenavon.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has been tackling the blaze since 8.42pm on Sunday July 19.

The wildfire now covers more than 200 hectares and has a perimeter of approximately 5km – with people advised to stay away from the area.

Wind has pushed smoke from the area towards Caerphilly and Cardiff in recent days.

In a statement, SWFRS said: “A range of specialist tactics are being used to mitigate and minimise the spread of the fire, including cutting fire breaks and carrying out controlled burns.

“Specialist equipment on scene includes 4×4 vehicles, drones and i-cutters, which are being used to help manage vegetation and support firefighting operations.”

The statement continued: “Anyone affected by smoke should keep windows and doors closed. As wind conditions change, smoke may affect different parts of south Wales at different times throughout the day.

Siân Gwenllian, the Welsh Government’s local government, housing, and planning minister praised the “extraordinary” emergency service response and said: “Wildfire has long been a serious risk in many parts of Wales and climate change is bound to increase that risk, especially during summer heatwave conditions.”

She added: “The fire is expected to continue burning for several days and firefighters remain at the scene to prevent it from spreading further and putting lives, wildlife, and property at risk.

“Public safety is our absolute priority and we will continue to support the response for as long as it is needed.”