Wildfire at Rhandirmwyn: Incident Update 17/08/2026

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to respond to the wildfire in the Rhandirmwyn area, near Llandovery. Firefighters remain at the scene carrying out firefighting operations and monitoring conditions across the incident ground as work continues to bring the fire under control.

The Major Incident declaration remains in place.

Firefighters have made significant progress in recent days, successfully containing much of the fire and dealing with hotspots across the affected area. Crews remain on scene undertaking targeted firefighting operations and closely monitoring conditions to respond to any changes in fire behaviour.

A helicopter remains in attendance at the incident and will continue to support firefighting operations at times throughout today, carrying out water drops where required to assist crews working in challenging terrain and areas of ongoing concern.

Mutual aid support from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has now concluded, and we would like to thank both Services for their valuable assistance throughout the incident.

Residents who were previously evacuated as a precaution due to the fire's proximity have now been allowed to return to their properties. Partner agencies continue to work together to provide any ongoing support that may be required.

Road closures remain in place in and around the affected area to facilitate firefighting operations and maintain public safety. Members of the public are asked to continue respecting these closures and follow signed diversion routes where necessary.

Public Safety Reminder

As firefighting operations continue in the Rhandirmwyn area, members of the public are asked to:

• Continue avoiding the affected area to allow emergency services to operate safely and effectively.
• Respect all road closures and follow signed diversion routes, which remain in place to support emergency response operations and public safety.
• Keep windows and doors closed if smoke is affecting your area and remain indoors where possible.
• Once smoke has cleared and it is safe to do so, ventilate your property by opening windows and doors.
• If travelling through areas affected by smoke, keep vehicle windows closed and set air conditioning to recirculation mode.
• Take extra care when travelling locally, as smoke may reduce visibility on roads.
• Do not fly drones near the incident, as they can interfere with firefighting operations and pose a risk to emergency responders.
• Check on family members, neighbours and vulnerable residents who may be affected by smoke.
• If you have a respiratory condition, such as asthma or COPD, ensure you have access to any medication or inhalers you may require and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Follow updates and instructions issued by emergency services and partner agencies.
• Call 999 immediately if you see flames or believe life or property is at immediate risk.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies would like to place on record their sincere thanks to the local community for the exceptional support shown throughout this incident.

We are especially grateful to local residents, businesses, landowners and members of the farming community, whose cooperation, patience and practical assistance have been invaluable. Their local knowledge, willingness to help and ongoing support have made a significant contribution to the emergency response and have greatly assisted crews operating in challenging conditions over recent days.

We would also like to thank our partner agencies for their continued support throughout the incident, as well as colleagues from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for their assistance under mutual aid arrangements. Finally, we extend our gratitude to all Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service personnel who continue to demonstrate professionalism, dedication and resilience while working to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.