Community rallies to support residents affected by fire

A community has rallied to support residents whose homes and gardens were destroyed in a fire.

Firefighters were called to a house fire on Hazelwood Road, Pantside, Newbridge, at around 4pm on Wednesday August 12.

The incident involved five terraced bungalows, with no reported casualties, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed.

In an update shared just before 2pm on Thursday August 13, SWFRS said the incident has now been “significantly scaled back”, with firefighting operations largely concluded.

“Crews have transitioned into the recovery phase and are working towards handing the incident over to the local authority and other relevant agencies,” a spokesperson said.

A joint-investigation with Gwent Police is now underway, while utilities providers are at the scene working to restore power supplies.

‘Just pop in’

Newbridge Memo has opened its doors to anyone affected by the fire. In a Facebook post, it said: “The Memo will be open today for anyone affected to use showering facilities, a safe space for coming together, providing free food and drinks and any other support that may be needed during this time.

“We have a free play day for children if distraction is needed for any little ones as well. No need to book for any of the above, just pop in.”

Newbridge RFC has also opened its clubhouse today to those affected, with hot and cold drinks, changing rooms and showers available, without the need to book.

“We cannot begin to imagine what the people affected are going through right now and our hearts go out to everyone that has been affected by such a frightening and horrendous event, and we hope that everyone is safe and well,” the club said.

“This is our community and we are only happy to be able to offer some sort of help where we possibly can.”

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser has been set up to support those affected, and has since raised more than £2,200.

Temporary accommodation has been provided to affected residents who were unable to stay with family or friends, Caerphilly County Borough Council confirmed.

A council spokesperson said: “CCBC housing staff are currently assessing the needs of those who lost their homes to determine the level of support required

“The evacuated residents living in the properties in Hazlewood Road that were not directly impacted by the fire will be allowed to return to their homes today.”

The council confirmed structural engineers are assessing the damage to the properties most affected by the fire, and discussions are ongoing with the homeowners.

‘The whole area has pulled together’

Casnewydd Islwyn Senedd Member Dan Thomas, who is the leader of Reform in Wales, said: “My thoughts are with all those families who have been affected by this terrible fire. To lose your home and many of your personal possessions is an unimaginable ordeal, and the community’s immediate focus must be on ensuring that everyone affected receives the support they need.

“I would like to pay tribute to the firefighters, ambulance crews and all emergency service personnel who responded so quickly and professionally to this major incident. Their actions helped protect lives and prevent further damage.”

Newport West and Islwyn’s Labour MP Ruth Jones visited Pantside on Thursday morning and said: “I’m absolutely devastated for the families involved and for the whole community.

“The most important thing is that thankfully nobody was hurt, and I was glad to hear everyone affected directly has found somewhere else to stay for the time being.”

Ms Jones thanked South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and added: “The whole area has pulled together for this one, with Newbridge RFC and the Memo both opening their doors to help.”

Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths, Senedd Member for Casnewydd Islwyn, urged the Welsh Government to work alongside Caerphilly County Borough and other agencies to ensure those affected receive support.

“Residents who were forced to leave their homes have experienced considerable distress through no fault of their own,” he said.

“The Welsh Government should now engage with local partners to determine what practical, financial and wellbeing support can be offered to those affected and to help minimise further disruption.”

‘Vulnerability’

Mr Owen Griffiths also called for a review of measures to support communities located close to mountainsides and moorlands, due to increasingly frequent wildfires.

“There is a strong case for examining what further preventative measures can be put in place, including improved land management, better fire prevention measures and enhanced protections for residential areas,” he said.

“People living in these communities deserve reassurance that every possible step is being taken to reduce the risk of future fires threatening their homes and families.”

In a statement, Wales’ First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said: “The scenes of devastation following the Newbridge fire are heartbreaking. My thoughts are with everyone affected and I’m deeply grateful to the emergency services for their tireless response in what were already difficult circumstances.

“I urge everyone to follow the advice of emergency services and to stay away from active fire incidents, allowing crews to focus on protecting communities and bringing these fires under control.”