Investigations underway for cause of large fire in Rhymney – man arrested on suspicion of arson

A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson, while fire investigators work to establish the cause of a large fire which destroyed an industrial unit in Rhymney.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the blaze at Capital Valley Eco Park just before 11.30pm on Friday January 24.

The unit, measuring 100m x 30m, was used as a recycling process plant.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “Officers attended, along with firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“No injuries were reported and a 59-year-old man, from Monmouthshire, was arrested on suspicion of arson. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

“Anyone who has any information that could help police is asked to call 101, quoting 2500025946, or you can direct message on Facebook or X.”

Crews from Tredegar, Ebbw Vale, Aberbargoed, Merthyr, Blaenavon, Treharris, Pontypridd, Cardiff Central, Cwmbran, Caerphilly, Maindee, Barry and New Inn were deployed to the scene, with assistance from crews from Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service.

At the its height, around 60 firefighters were working to control the blaze.

In a statement, the fire service said two aerial appliances were used as water towers with water pumped from the River Rhymney after crews dammed the river. A ‘wetting agent’ was also used, after consultation with Natural Resources Wales, which helps the effectiveness of water to extinguish fire.

It added that “all appropriate environmental measures were deployed in affected areas”.

The blaze was extinguished on Saturday, but crews remained until noon on Sunday dampening down.