Street evacuated as blaze claims life of resident
A MAN has died after being rescued from a burning house in the early hours of the morning.
The alarm was raised just before 3am on Tuesday and firefighters were able to get the man out of the terraced house on Gamlyn Terrace in Hirwaun.
Firefighters performed CPR on the man and he was taken to the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil in a critical condition. But police later confirmed he had died in hospital from his injuries.
Ten properties in the street were evacuated as a precaution and the residents were looked after by the British Red Cross and neighbours.
Five properties have since been described as uninhabitable.
Jason Evans from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze started on the first floor of the house before spreading to the roof and four neighbouring properties.
Around 25 firefighters tackled the fire and neighbours used water to try to put out the flames.
Sarah Lewis, 32, who lives opposite the house where the fire started, described how neighbours tried to douse the flames with water and knocked on doors to get people out of their homes.
She said: “The dog was barking so I got up. I could see an orange light and all I could see was flames from across the road.
“I called the fire brigade and they said they were already on their way. I then went outside to the street.
“The emergency services were outstanding. They couldn’t get through the front so they had to go through the window, but they got him out in seconds.”
Another neighbour, Kieran Couzens, 20, said: “I was sleeping. My partner woke me up.
“All I could hear was bang, bang, bang, bang – the windows were smashing. It was really scary. That must have been at about 3am.
“My partner’s aunty lives on the street and she said she’s never seen anything like this happen in about 21 years.
“I think that side of the row has been affected by the smoke damage coming through the attics.”
Kai Shikari, 32, also lives in the street.
He said: “My mother woke me up – it must have been at about 3.30am. There was fire – you could smell it in the air.”
A British Red Cross spokesman said: “Three members of Red Cross staff and volunteers have responded overnight to a significant house fire.
“Ten houses had been evacuated and we initially assisted the emergency services by helping to account for displaced occupants while also providing immediate practical and emotional support.
“Presently, five properties are described as uninhabitable and we are working with residents and to help meet emergency housing needs.
“We will remain on the scene offering advice and support while the fire authorities continue to investigate”
An investigation has now started into the cause of the fire.