A HOST of grass fires spread across Gwent forestry over the sunny Bank Holiday weekend.

Easter Sunday saw fires rage across Wattsville mountain, and another near Cwmcarn, both in Caerphilly county borough, with a third at Deri mountain in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

Residents of surrounding areas took to social media to share their dismay at the sight after large scale forest fires plagued the region last year.

READ MORE: South Wales Fire and Rescue battle mountain grass fires

A Facebook user said,of the Wattsville mountain fire: “Been watching it all afternoon from Risca. Good luck to the firefighters if they have to attend, stay safe.”

The blaze is thought to have started around 4.30pm, with flames licking the top of the trees around 6pm.

Resident Paul French wrote on social media: “First tidy bit of sun and... Wattsville mountain is on fire.”

Smoke from Wattsville mountain on Sunday (Picture: Paul French)

A spokesperson for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Team said: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended a significant number of deliberate grass fire incidents across South Wales over the Easter weekend, some requiring the attendance of multiple appliances and the movement of resources.

“Deliberate grass fires put lives in danger and cause damage to property and the environment; diverting our resources to deal with grass fires means it can often take longer for us to respond to other emergencies.

“We would urge anyone who has information on grass fires, or who sees anything suspicious to contact 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“If you see a grass fire, or anyone starting a grass fire, please call 999 immediately.”