Wildfire spotted from space as helicopter brought in to tackle blaze

Wildfire spotted from space as helicopter brought in to tackle blazeImage source, Planet Labs PBCImage caption, This satellite image shows plumes of smoke coming from the Rhinogydd mountains in Gwynedd, north WalesByAngharad ThomasBBC WalesPublished12 minutes agoSatellite images have captured plumes of smoke and damage caused by a wildfire in north Wales.Data gathered by BBC Verify suggests an estimated 951 hectares (2,350 acres) of the Rhinogydd mountains in Gwynedd have been burned by a wildfire which broke out earlier this month.Nasa's satellite-based FIRMS monitoring system has also detected heat signatures from four areas of Wales where wildfires have broken out.It is showing heat sources at Blaenavon in Torfaen, Presteigne in Powys, and Pentre Halkyn in Flintshire.Natural Resources Wales said a specialist firefighting helicopter will be deployed to Rhinogydd on Friday morning after calls for "aerial support".Image source, Pat O'NeillImage caption, People living close to the Rhinogydd mountains have been advised to keep doors and windows closedOn Wednesday the Welsh government activated "crisis management arrangements" to tackle the wildfires that have broken out across Wales.NRW said: "While the helicopter is being deployed to support the response in the Rhinogydd, its availability will continue to be assessed in line with operational needs across Wales and the wider UK."Should other fire and rescue service require aerial support for incidents in their area, we will remain in close contact to understand those needs and consider how best to assist alongside partner agencies."In north Wales, the first signs of the fire from the Rhinogydd mountain were visible in satellite images from 13 July.Members of the public have been urged to avoid areas affected by the wildfires, after reports that some people who travelled to them needed emergency rescue assistance. Ch Insp Ian Roberts, of North Wales Police, said ignoring roa...