WORCESTER residents are reporting the smell of smoke that is believed to have been caused by a wildfire 70 miles away.
One resident in the Rainbow Hill area of the city said the smell had been so strong on Sunday afternoon (August 9) that they thought they had left their oven on.
“I thought I’d left the oven on after cooking lunch but it was coming in from the window,” she said.
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“It smells like something overheating, not barbecue smell, more like something rubber. I can’t see any smoke outside.”
Earlier on Sunday morning, residents in Malvern also reported the smell of smoke, including on Cowleigh Road and on North Hill.
Why can Worcester and Malvern residents smell smoke?
While firefighters were unable to find any source of the smoke in or around Malvern, it is now believed that the smell is being caused by drift from a wildfire in South Wales.
“Hereford and Worcester Fire Control Room (HWFR) is also receiving multiple calls for reports of smoke in the area of south Herefordshire,” a spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said.
“We also believe the cause of the smoke is linked to a significant fire in the South Wales area.”
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The fire on moorland at Llangynidr Reservoir, near Ebb Vale, is understood to have started on Friday evening (August 7).
On Sunday afternoon, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were still battling the blaze and that a firefighting helicopter had been called in.
It is expected that it will take days to extinguish the fire.
People urged to keep doors and windows closed
The fire service has urged anyone who smells smoke to keep doors and windows closed.
“As part of our ongoing assessment of the incident, weather conditions and the resources needed, a specialist firefighting helicopter is now supporting crews on the ground,” a South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.
“We expect to be at the scene for a few days and we will continue to review our response daily as conditions change.
“Avoid flying drones in the area as they can affect emergency operations.
“Keep windows and doors closed if you are affected by smoke and seek medical advice if needed.
“Stay away from the area to allow emergency services to work safely.”
