Police have launched an investigation after a wildfire destroyed over 100 hectares of land near Furnace.

The fire, which broke out on Sunday afternoon near Llyn Conach, is believed to have been started deliberately and has destroyed part of a nationally important wildlife site.

Five crews from Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells, Llanfair Caereinion, Aberdyfi and Llanidloes all attended the incident which took over a day to get under control.

A helicopter was also deployed to assist with the fighting of the blaze as firefighters on the difficult and challenging terrain used beaters, backpack sprayers, wildfire blowers, an otter pump and delivery hose.

Approximately 120 hectares of grass, scrubland and forestry has been destroyed by the fire.

Firefighters were stood down at 7.20pm on Monday and the remaining seat of fire was allowed to burn to a natural firebreak.

Dyfed=Powys Police has now launched an investigation into the blaze and is appealing for information.

Officers say substantial fire damage has been caused to a part of the Natural Resources Wales-managed Welsh Government Woodland Estate, as well as badly damaging a nationally important wildlife site.

Sgt Marc Davies, of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Arson Reduction Team, said: “Not only do these fires pose a significant risk to the safety of our communities but we are seeing here the destruction of a nationally important wildlife Site of Special Scientific Interest.

"These illegal fires are entirely avoidable and its tragic to see the destruction and harm caused to the wildlife and the environment.

“If you have any information that can help us identify those persons responsible for this fire please contact us on the details below.”

Dyfed-Powys Police can be contacted either online at http://bit.ly/DPPReportOnline, by email at [email protected], or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.