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A major house fire in Machen has left two homes badly damaged and an elderly resident taken to hospital with minor injuries, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed.

Fire crews were called to Commercial Road, Machen, at around 3pm today, Saturday February 18, after residents spotted thick black smoke coming from the back of a property near Machen Primary School.

According to witnesses the fire quickly spread to the neighbouring semi-detached house.

The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but “accidental” according to the fire service.

Machen AFC were playing a home match on Machen Welfare Ground, a ten-minute walk from the fire, where witnesses said the smoke could be seen “high in the sky”.

One woman was taken to hospital in an ambulance with suspected smoke inhalation, but this is believed to be precautionary. 

Six fire engines were sent to deal with the fire, including an aerial crane.  

A stop message from firefighters, to indicate the fire is out, was received by the fire service’s control room at around 5pm.

Commercial Road was closed while crews battled the fire.