Rhiwbina's night-time smell was a distant wildfire

A burning smell which affected homes in Rhiwbina and surrounding areas last night (Monday) was caused by a wildfire in the Blaenavon area, some 20 miles away, the fire service has advised.

People across North Cardiff have been posting online this morning (Tuesday) about waking in the night to a smell of burning.

A Birchgrove resident told us: "We had an electric fan on in the bedroom, and I thought it was overheating. It smelt like there might be an electrical fault. "When I went to the window, I realised the smell was outside."

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said they received the initial call about the fire on Sunday night.

"This morning (Tuesday), six appliances and a water bowser remain at the scene, supported by SWFRS tactical wildfire officers who are specially trained and highly skilled in responding to these incidents. 

"The wildfire currently covers around 80 hectares of mixed land of bracken and gorse. Crews have been working in challenging conditions due to the terrain, access and the wind conditions.  

"A change in wind direction overnight has seen smoke from the incident impacting a large area of South Wales, and is reported as far south as Caerphilly and Cardiff."

People are being advised to keep windows and doors closed if the smoke is affecting them, and to stay away from the area, to allow the emergency response to continue.