A huge mountain fire erupted on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2025, in Swansea, specifically at Mynydd Gelliwastad in the Clydach area, leading to more than 120 calls to the fire service from concerned locals. The three fire crews currently working the scene are battling flames that have reached heights of over 40 feet, with ongoing efforts complicated by the challenging terrain near several farms.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed at 8 PM that the fire was still active, with multiple eyewitness accounts describing the sight as a dramatic glow illuminating the night sky. Andrew Webber, a resident from Llansamlet, shared his experience: “I’d just got to my parents to drop them home and could see the sky lighting up orange and then saw the flames. Me and my dad walked down the road a few yards and saw the view I had in the video and photos.” His account emphasizes the fire's intensity and the swift response from local emergency services.
As the situation unfolded, other locals initially speculated whether the fire was controlled, a common practice on the mountain; however, it quickly became apparent that this was not the case. Mark Lane, another eyewitness at the scene, provided a stark observation: “The fire is massive, with flames reaching an estimated 40-plus feet in height. It’s spreading rapidly in both directions, making it a challenging situation for the fire brigade to manage.” Lane also pointed out that the narrow roads hinder emergency vehicle access, further exacerbating the urgency of the response.
Visuals of the unfolding disaster depict flames visible from miles away, with many residents capturing photographs that illustrate the fierce and roaring blaze. The urgency of the fire brigade’s response was evident as some firefighters had to traverse the difficult terrain on foot. In addition to the ground crews, a drone was deployed to help assess the situation, allowing for a more strategic approach to firefighting, particularly important given the complexities of the vast burning area.
The South Wales Police revealed that in the week leading up to this incident, they had attended numerous fires that were deliberately set on the commons of the Gower, raising concerns about potential arson. Authorities are calling for the public to provide any information regarding these events by contacting 101. This adds another layer of urgency to the situation as the community grapples with the implications of both the current fire and the previous incidents.
As the firefighters continue their tireless efforts against the blaze, the residents and local authorities are left to wonder about the cause of the flames and their impact on the community, particularly those living near the farms close to the mountain. The challenge remains not only in extinguishing the fire but also in safeguarding the property and lives of those nearby.
With the situation ongoing, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that might contribute to similar incidents in the future. The collective effort of the community, combined with the brave work of the fire service, underscores the importance of being prepared for such emergencies, especially in areas prone to wildfires.
