Fire crews have tackled a grass fire that broke out on a hill near Builth Wells.

Firefighters from Rhayader, Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells were called to the blaze, near Golf Links Road at 10.42am on Sunday, March 29.

Fire crews were confronted with multiple seats of wildfire, which covered around six hectares of grass. They left the incident more than six hours later at 4.52pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire was deliberately lit.

“Deliberately setting grass fires are illegal and irresponsible,” Station Manager Richie Vaughan-Williams, Arson Reduction Manager, said.

“They endanger lives within the local community, kill wildlife and use up the resources of the fire and rescue service which could lead to a delay in attending a road traffic collision or a house fire.

“We are all being asked to help our NHS by staying at home and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“Therefore, I would urge everyone to heed the Government’s advice and stay at home, observe social distancing and consider the public health implications of these fires during this already difficult time.

“We would like to appeal to you to help us and other essential services in preventing these incidents from occurring.”

Anyone with information about the deliberately lit fires is asked to phone the police on 101.