SMOKE has continued heading towards Monmouth and the Forest of Dean into this evening, as firefighters tackle a large wildfire near Llangynidr Reservoir, more than 30 miles west, in Ebbw Vale.

Local fire crews carried out checks in the Wyedean area earlier today following multiple reports of smoke locally.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service told The Beacon this morning that crews had been deployed to investigate reports of smoke, but no fire had been confirmed in the Forest of Dean.

The service said it believed the smoke was blowing from South Wales, with firefighters tackling a large moorland wildfire near Llangynidr Reservoir since Saturday.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said conditions fighting that blaze had been a "challenge due to the wind".

View of smoke plume over Monmouthshire last night
A smoke plume seen blowing behind the Skirrid from Monmouth last night (Iliffe Media )

Residents in Berry Hill, Coleford and Monmouth reported the smell of smoke and haze which has filled the sky.

Residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed in the meantime.

Monmouth Rowing Club had to cut short their training session this morning for next month’s World Masters Rowing Championships in Bled due to the smoke in the atmosphere.

The article will be updated as more information becomes available to us.