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A well-known husband and wife who lost their lives in a house fire have been named locally as Bill and Marlene Mumford.

Emergency services were called to Heol Fawr, Nelson, on Friday December 12 following reports of an explosion at around 5.10pm in the garden of the property. Police said they were contacted at around 6.10pm.

Gwent Police said investigations to establish the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.

In a statement, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said crews tackled the fire using eight breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one main jet, positive pressure ventilation, and a thermal imagery camera.

Mr and Mrs Mumford were confirmed dead at the scene.

Specialist teams from SWFRS carried out structural assessments to ensure the property was made safe.
A SWFRS spokesperson said: “Firefighters responded professionally and with great care under challenging circumstances, successfully preventing the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.”

Posting on social media at the time, Delyth Jewell MS, Plaid Cymru Member for South Wales East said: “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the two people who have died. And thank you to the emergency services for all they’re doing. It’s heartbreaking news.

Cllr Sean Morgan, who represents Nelson on Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “This is a terrible tragedy that has shaken many of the residents of Nelson.

“Bill and Marlene were a well-known couple in the village who had lived there most of their lives.

“Under the circumstances, it is a shocking tragedy.”

A collection is now underway in Nelson to raise money for a memorial bench for the couple. Donations can be made to this at the village Co-op.

A separate fundraiser for a defibrillator for Nelson has also been boosted with wellwishers donating in the couple’s memory. Visit GoFundMe to make a donation.