A FIRE has broken out in Penglais Woods above Aberystwyth.

Police and the Fire Service were seen attending the incident on Friday (Jun 9).

Firefighters have been attempting to extinguish the fire. Large plumes of smoke had been drifting across the town throughout the day.

Video footage shows the smoke rising above the woodland area and moving across Aberystwyth.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) requested Ceredigion County Council to invoke procedures to open a Temporary Rest Centre for those displaced by the Fire at Penglais Nature Reserve.

A  number of people from nearby properties on Infirmary Road, Aberystwyth were evacuated and offered respite until it was safe for them to return to their homes.  Most of those evacuated made their own arrangements, but a small number of individuals remained at the rest centre until  they were able to make alternative arrangements.

At 915pm, the Council was informed by MWWFRS that  the rest centre could stand down and that  residents can return to their properties.

Ceredigion Council expressed their thanks to the firefighters who responded to and dealt with the fire and to Local Authority staff who volunteered to man the temporary rest Centre.