A large fire that tore through five bungalows in Newbridge, Caerphilly county, forced residents from their homes on Wednesday, with no casualties reported. Those affected were relocated to a nearby leisure centre while emergency crews worked to bring the blaze under control.
Councillor Adrian Hussey said several households had lost their properties entirely and were now being provided with temporary accommodation. He explained that residents initially attempted to fight the fire themselves but were forced to flee once it became clear the blaze was too severe to control.
The houses were absolutely gutted. Their cars were damaged too.
The streets around the area were all evacuated and people went to the leisure centre.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it received the emergency call at 16:00 BST. The Welsh Ambulance Service also dispatched a specialist response team along with two ambulances to the scene as a precaution.
Why were residents told to stay away?
The fire service asked members of the public to avoid the Hazlewood Road area so that emergency crews could continue their work without obstruction. Officials said this precaution was necessary to allow firefighters and paramedics to operate safely while the situation remained active.
Has this happened before in the region?
South Wales has seen a string of significant fires in recent months. In June 2026, a major industrial blaze at Ty Menter in Abercynon shut the A470 and sent smoke drifting into nearby homes, with witnesses describing a roof collapse and a tornado-like flame. More recently, on 1 August 2026, a fire at the Star Trading Estate in Caerleon, Newport, prompted warnings for residents to keep their windows and doors shut. A similar pattern of homes being threatened by fast-spreading fire was seen in England, where a garden fire in Sheffield spread to five houses and forced an evacuation before crews extinguished it within hours.
What happens next for displaced residents?
Local officials indicated that support is being arranged for those who lost their homes, with temporary housing already being offered to affected families. The full extent of the damage to the five bungalows has not yet been detailed, though the councillor's description suggests significant structural loss and destroyed vehicles.
Key Facts
- Fire broke out at Hazlewood Road, Newbridge, in Caerphilly county
- Five bungalows were affected; no casualties have been reported
- South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called at 16:00 BST
- The Welsh Ambulance Service sent a specialist team and two ambulances
- Displaced residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre and offered temporary accommodation
