A swift-moving wildfire consumed six homes in the Welsh village of Newbridge, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation. The blaze also spread to six gardens, engulfing sheds and hedges. The fire service was called to the scene on Wednesday around 4 p.m. in the former mining village.
Eyewitnesses reported that neighbors had gathered to watch the solar eclipse when the fire erupted. Locals believe the fire originated in a field behind houses in Pantside, Newbridge, and rapidly spread to nearby residences. Neighbors attempted to combat the flames with garden hoses and buckets of water before emergency services arrived, but at least five homes were completely destroyed.
Several homes were evacuated due to the extensive damage. More than 20 individuals were displaced and sought refuge at a local leisure center or were accommodated in a hotel. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
Julie Nicholls, 74, was among those evacuated. She described hearing loud noises and seeing flames before police instructed her to leave her home. "They were being so brave, I mean to lose everything," she said of those who had lost their homes, describing the scene at the leisure center. "I felt absolute fear, you know, you don't expect to open your door and see a fire next to you."
Caerphilly councillor Gary Johnson called the incident a "total shock" and "dreadful, and heartbreaking for all the families involved." He added, "The whole community is strong, and we will rally around them like we always do."
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by officials. The incident occurred just hours before Britain was expected to experience one of its hottest days on record, with temperatures predicted to reach 38C (100F), and as the Met Office had extended its amber 'extreme heat' warning for much of the country.
