A major incident remains ongoing as crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continue to tackle the wildfire in the Rhondda area.

The blaze started on Saturday afternoon and has affected around 150 hectares, according to the fire service's latest statement.

The response to the fire was increased last night due to changing wind conditions.

Crews are still in attendance at both the fire at Battlefield Heritage Park in Shrewsbury and the one in the Llanwonno area of Rhondda Cynon Taf in South Wales.

• The fire in Shropshire broke out this afternoon at Battlefield Heritage Park, a country park north of Shrewsbury. The park is home to the site associated with the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury, fought between King Henry IV and a rebel army led by Henry "Harry Hotspur" Percy.
• The blaze is understood to be just a few fields away from the historic battlefield. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews are responding to the wildfire as one witness explained the battlefield has "burned to a crisp".
• The Rhondda wildfire, which started on Saturday afternoon, has been described as "significant" by South Waales Fire and Rescue Service. So far, it has affected forestry plantation land and common land, including bracken, scrub and vegetation across an area estimated at around 150 hectares, the rough equivalent of 210 football pitches.
• Good progress has been made in reducing the size of the fire but changing wind conditions last night led to an increased need of resources. Crews are working in challenging conditions due to the steep and difficult terrain.
• A major incident was declared today due to the greater resources demand, with 20 fire engines at the scene this afternoon. A rest centre for residents has been set up at Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre but no evacuations have so far taken place.
• The incident is expected to continue "for a number of days".

Firefighters at Ferndale in the Rhondda Valley tackle a fire burning in the hills above the town(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Dr Geoff Davis lives close to the fire in Shrewsbury and described seeing the "massive" blaze at Battlefield Heritage Park.

Speaking to Shropshire Star, he said: "The whole battlefield itself is burnt to a crisp.

"The fields are blackened for acres. Firemen are keeping everybody back."

The blaze ravaging fields near Shrewsbury is in the Battlefield Heritage Park to the north of the town.

Flames are near the site of the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury.

A massive fire has broken out at Battlefield Heritage Park

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has asked people to avoid the area while crews work to prevent the wildfire on Llanwonno Mountain from spreading.

The fire, which began on Saturday afternoon, has affected forestry plantation land and common land, with bracken, scrub and vegetation burning across an area estimated to be around 150 hectares at its largest extent, the fire service said.

The incident is expected to "continue for a number of days".

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to avoid the area(Image: John Myers)

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which manages the land affected by the fire, said it has been working closely with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and other partners.

In a statement posted on social media today, NRW said it was providing local knowledge of the site and surrounding landscape, as well as practical support on the ground, including creating firebreaks and supplying tractor bowsers to assist firefighting operations.

It said: "The fire has already affected a significant area of land (approx. 150 hectares), and our immediate priority is to support the fire service’s efforts to bring the incident under control and limit any further spread."

A wildfire broke out in the Llanwonno area of Rhondda Cynon Taf on Saturday afternoon(Image: John Myers)

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said a rest centre has been set up at Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre for residents in Blaenllechau and Ferndale.

The council said: "Residents are not currently being asked to evacuate their homes, but the rest centre has been set up for residents who do not wish to remain in their homes as a result of poor air quality caused by the fire."

It also urged residents in the wider area to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area so access routes remain clear for emergency vehicles and firefighters.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said this afternoon that crews are responding to reports of a wildfire at Battlefield Heritage Park, a country park north of Shrewsbury.

The park is home to the site associated with the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury, fought between King Henry IV and a rebel army led by Henry "Harry Hotspur" Percy. The blaze is understood to be just a few fields away from the historic battlefield.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said in an update this morning that crews are continuing to work at the scene of a "significant wildfire" in the Rhondda area.

The fire service said: "The fire, which began on Saturday afternoon, has affected forestry plantation land and common land, involving bracken, scrub and vegetation across an area estimated at around 150 hectares at its largest extent.

"Crews have been working continuously in challenging conditions on steep and difficult terrain, creating and maintaining firebreaks to contain the spread of the fire and protect nearby communities.

"While firefighters made good progress in reducing the size of the fire, changing wind conditions on Sunday evening led to an increase in firefighting activity and resources. Local communities may experience smoke from the fire over the coming days.

"We have declared it a major incident as it requires a greater demand on our resources and as such more coordination. There are currently 20 fire engines at the scene, supported by two specialist wildfire teams, senior officers, a high-volume pumping unit and drone capability.

"Firefighters are being supported by partner agencies including Natural Resources Wales, South Wales Police, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and health partners, with agencies working together to monitor the situation and coordinate their response.

"A rest centre has been set up for residents of Blaenllechau/Ferndale at Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre. Residents are not currently being asked to evacuate their homes, but the rest centre has been set up for those who do not wish to remain in their homes because of poor air quality caused by the fire.

"The incident is expected to continue for a number of days and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

"We want to reassure the public that all our crews have the support they need to deal with wildfire, and while we are grateful for community support, we don’t need any refreshments or donations at the scene. We would prefer it if you avoided the incident area and stay safe.

"If people feel that they want to donate, we work very closely with the Firefighters Charity who support members of the community and their families with wellbeing and practical support when it's needed most."