HUGE grass fires on mountains are keeping firefighters busy through another blistering weekend, with mountain paths and bike trails closed by the fire service.

Pictures sent to the South Wales Argus show wild fires on Twmbarlwm mountain, Cwmcarn Forest Drive and the Cock n Chick mountain near Abertillery.

Others are also being dealt with in Fochryw, Caerphilly County Borough, and Wattsville in the Sirhowy valley.

While a barn blaze has been reported in Chepstow, Monmouthshire this morning.

South Wales Argus:

A charred helicopter picks up water near Fochryw (Picture:South Wales Argus Camera Club Member Nadine Hudson-Featherstone‎)

A spokesman from South Wales Fire Service confirmed they still had a crew at the Twmbarlwm and Cwmcarn fire, which has been raging since yesterday lunchtime.

Four crews and a helicopter were at the scene during the fire’s peak. Fire crews have been using machinery to create fire breaks in an effort to control the blaze.

South Wales Argus:

Twmbarlwm last night (Picture: Rhys Bennett)

The footpaths and bike trails along Cwmcarn Forest Drive have been closed at the request of the fire service, and people are being asked not to wander into forested areas while the fires are being dealt with.

The South Wales Fire spokesman confirmed there is still a crew at the Cock n Chick Mountain near Abertillery, who are concentrating on extinguishing hot spots in the area.

Three crews and a helicopter were deployed to fight the fire there after the fire service received a call at 10am yesterday (Saturday, July 14).

South Wales Argus:

Cock n Chick Mountain yesterday, near Abertillery (Picture: South Wales Argus Camera Club Member Sharon Smith)

The spokesman added a crew was heading out to another call in Fochryw, Caerphilly County Borough, this morning. They are going to inspect the scene of an earlier fire to make sure it doesn’t break out again.

In Wattsville, Sirhowy Valley, a minimum of two crews attended a grass fire this morning, while two other crews and a water bowser are in attendance in Chepstow at the scene of a grass fire.

Tweeting a warning to the public this morning, South Wales Fire Service said: “Do not undertake any controlled burns like burning waste, open camp fires or barbecues during the current hot weather conditions.

“Grass fires can be unpredictable, fast and devastating.”

South Wales Argus:

Twmbarlwm mountain fire (Picture: Debbie Ward)

In a statement released after a grass fire spread to engulf a family home in Duffryn, Newport, a South Wales Fire and Rescue spokesman reminded the public that setting deliberate fires was crime.

The spokesman said: "Grass fires impact our communities across Wales and draw fundamental and valuable resources away from our communities placing unnecessary risk on lives.

"The all Wales multi agency project Dawns Glaw has seen significant reductions in grass fires across Wales from a multi strand approach involving education, prevention and enforcement.

"We will continue to work with partners and communities to highlight the consequences and impact of grass fires on Wales.

"Deliberate grass fires are a crime and If you have any information on how these deliberate fires have been started please contact 101 or Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555 111

"We would like to remind people to remain safe during these periods of increased dry conditions and to avoid unnecessary fires for burning waste, open camp fires and barbecues. 

"While we would like our communities to enjoy the sunshine we ask you avoid drinking alcohol and cooking and remain safe and well within your home.

"If you require any further safety advice please visit www.southwales-fire.gov.uk”

It follows a wild fire on a mountain near Cwmcelyn, Blaenau Gwent, last weekend.

For more on the current fires being dealt with see our live blog.