Crews contain massive mountain fire near homes in Wattsville

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-32426401

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Fire crews have worked through the night to protect homes from a large mountain fire in Caerphilly county.

A helicopter carrying water had helped firefighters tackle the blaze in Wattsville near Crosskeys on Thursday.

South Wales Fire Service said the fire, started deliberately, affected about 300 hectares (741 acres) making it the biggest such fire this year.

The blaze on the hillside above a Tata Steel plant was out by Thursday morning.

A total of 12 fire engines were sent to the incident on Wednesday night, with appliances parked near to homes.

Crews have dealt with 776 deliberate grass fires since 1 April with 283 in Rhondda Cynon Taff and 127 in Caerphilly.

South Wales Police said there have been seven arrests over grass fires and more more people have voluntarily attended police stations. They are a mix of children and adults.