Welshpool smog mystery linked to Mach blaze

A cloud of smog that descended over Welshpool on Sunday has been attributed to a huge fire near Machynlleth.

Residents complained of smoke floating down the Severn Valley and into the town from late afternoon and it reached as far as Trewern.

But it appears to be a grass fire close to the beauty spot of Llyn Conach, south of Machynlleth, which required firefighters to attend from Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells, Llanfair Caereinion and Aberdovey.

The fire broke out at 2.26pm on Sunday with crews still on the scene Monday.

“Approximately 64 hectares of grass, scrubland and forestry has been destroyed by the fire,” said a fire service spokesperson. “A helicopter has also been deployed to assist the Fire Service.”