A MAJOR operation aimed at stopping arson attacks on a Gwent mountain is being re-launched this year by police and fire chiefs.

The Blorenge Mountain near Blaenavon will be the focus of helicopter and quad bike patrols throughout the spring and summer in a bid to stop firebugs causing havoc on a treasured wildlife habitat which stretches for hundreds of acres.

Assistant divisional officer Fraser Ingram said the perpetrators were putting lives at risk and destroying a site of special scientific interest.

He said: "Grass fires are not only dangerous and unpredictable but delay the firefighters tackling them from attending emergencies such as house fires and serious road accidents where people could be trapped." Mr Ingram said those caught lighting fires during Operation Blorenge would be prosecuted.

Last week five crews battled two grass fires on the mountain which destroyed three square miles of heather moorland close to the Foxhunter car park, near Keeper's Pond.

That incident is being investigated by police and fire officers.

Last year Operation Blorenge was heralded a success by police and fire chiefs after there were no recorded grass fires throughout the summer months.

In 2004 arson attacks left tax-payers picking up a £1 million bill for firefighting provision.

The fires ignited peat under the surface of the mountain which continued to burn for weeks.

Ecologists said an important habit for birds and other animals was destroyed and called the fires disastrous.

Operation Blorenge aims to prevent that happening again. It incorporates regular patrols by a police helicopter, as well as police officers and countryside wardens using 4x4 vehicles and quad bikes.

The helicopter is fitted with thermal imaging and camera equipment to identify arsonists, and alert police on the ground.

Sergeant Ian Gillford of South Wales Police works on behalf of the Countryside Council for Wales to protect special sites of scientific interest, including the Blorenge. He also represents police forces across south-east Wales.

He said: "The aim is prevention, but obviously when fires do occur we will do our utmost to bring those responsible to justice."

During 2003/4 there were 22 grass fires on or near the Blorenge, and in 2004/5 18 were recorded.