DRAMATIC footage taken by a South Wales Argus Camera Club member captures the moment a scorched helicopter swoops onto a mountain reservoir to collect water before racing off to figh a raging grass fire nearby.

Camera Club member Saz Griffiths caught the amazing footage near a grass fire in Cwmtillery yesterday (Saturday, July 14).

The fire, on the Cock and Chick mountain, has now been brought under control by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, but is one of many reported in and around Gwent this weekend.

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

More grass fires have also been reported in Fochryw, Caerphilly County Borough, and Wattsville in the Sirhowy valley, while a barn blaze has been reported in Chepstow, Monmouthshire.

This afternoon, another fire has been reported in Garnlydan, Ebbw Vale.

* For live updates on this weekend’s grass fires, follow our live blog. *

If you would like to become a Camera Club member, following this link to our dedicated Facebook page, where you can send your pictures and videos.

In a statement released after a grass fire spread to engulf a house in Duffryn, Newport, on July 6, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued a statement reminding people that setting deliberate grass fires was a crime.

A 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 .”