First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has met with farmers to discuss the aftermath of a major wildfire that scorched 80 hectares of land and continued to smoulder weeks later.
During a visit to Blaenavon on August 6, the First Minister met with members of the Blorenge Commoners Association, some of whose members were instrumental in helping extinguish the fire, on Mynydd Garnclochdy.
Matthew Jones MS and Donna Cushing MS, for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, had invited Mr ap Iorwerth to meet the farmers following the wildfire, which broke out on July 19.
The meeting also included representatives from the NFU, including president Abi Reader.
Mr Jones said: "The response from the local community to the wildfire has been impressive.
"There must now be time for reflection and learning, particularly on how services can draw more effectively on local knowledge in the future."
He said the visit was vital for showing the true impact of the fire.
Mr Jones said: "Inviting the First Minister to see the harrowing scale of the devastation was an important part of that process, and the start of a wider conversation about how we safeguard our communities from wildfires in the years ahead."
He also praised the bravery of the farmers involved in the response.
Mr Jones said: "During the height of the fire, members of the Blorenge Commoners Association used their local expertise to support the Fire Service, at risk to their own lives.
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"I was glad to help ensure the association had the opportunity to convey that directly to the First Minister."
Firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) spent more than a week bringing the fire under control and have continued to monitor the site for hotspots.
On August 4, a SWFRS spokesperson said: "Crews have extinguished the flames. However, the peat continues to smoulder.
"There is no risk to property or life.
"A water bowser remains at the incident ground, crews are soaking the peat and carrying out inspections to monitor hot spots."
"Significant progress has been made, with all fire breaks continuing to hold and the incident remaining contained."
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