Four boys arrested as wildfires rage across Wales

Wildfires have been spreading across Wales, prompting the deployment of military personnel and the arrest of four teenagers. The UK government issued an emergency alert on Friday evening, warning of a very high risk of wildfires nationally. In response, Stephen Kinnock, Secretary of State for Wales, confirmed that military personnel had been deployed to provide logistical support and ease pressure on the ground. The fires have forced evacuations, with residents near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, leaving their homes as flames approached the village. A local councillor described the situation as "scary." Firefighters from Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been working for over 90 hours on incidents in Llanwrtyd Wells, Merthyr Tydfil, and Ebbw Vale. The service thanked local businesses for providing food and drinks, noting they were overwhelmed by community support. On Saturday, crews remained at the scene near Llandovery, making progress but describing it as a challenging and dynamic incident. They urged people to stay away, especially around Rhandirmwyn, to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. A fire was also seen above Cwm, Ebbw Vale, where community members rallied together. Sallie Jones, a spokesperson for Cwm Task Force, said the whole village was fearful, with residents calling to ask if it was safe to sleep. She emphasized the community's role in providing reassurance. In Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf, a BBC reporter noted residents were frightened as flames came within 30 meters of a house. Mark Carmody, a resident, said firefighters were dousing the back of his building and damping down bracken behind it. Police investigating a deliberate fire near Pleasant Heights, Porth, arrested four 14-year-old boys on suspicion of arson; they have been released on bail. Authorities have also warned against flying drones in the area, as they could interfere with military helicopters and fire service drones. The fires have highlighted the strain on emergency services and the importance of community cooperation during such crises.