Maerdy mountain wildfire spreads towards village as residents told to close windows and doors

A huge fire has broken out on the side of a mountain in the Rhondda Fach valley.Local resident Peter Cook said he first noticed the wildfire on the side of Maerdy Mountain at around 6am on Friday.The fire service remained at the scene at lunchtime on Friday and all nearby residents have been asked to keep doors and windows closed.Mr Cook said the fire had spread rapidly and appeared to be working its way down the mountain towards the village.He said: "I was in the garden doing some gardening when I heard crackling. I though: 'What's that?' Then I looked up and saw the fire."The mountainside grass fire in Maerdy near Highfield Road(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)The fire is releasing plumes of grey smoke which can be seen from miles away.A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) spokesma