Residents’ fears as fire came close to homes

HOMEOWNERS have described the terrifying moment a huge grass fire came within 100 yards of their houses.

The latest in a series of deliberate grass fires across the South Wales Valleys this spring hit Pontygwaith, near Ferndale, on Wednesday.

Firefighters remained at the scene yesterday morning.

Rachel Thomas, who lives in Fenwick Street, said: “It was literally about 100 yards away from my back garden.

“It was very scary and very nerve racking to know that it was spreading, getting closer and closer to our houses – the children were petrified in the street.

“It has left a real impact on our community and we are all very devastated with the event as it’s ruined the lovely scenery that we once had.”

Rachel, 20, said she “couldn’t thank the fire service enough”.

She added: “Hat goes off to all the firefighters for their efforts and hard work going from one fire to the next, working long unsociable hours for the actions of the arsonists.

“I think we as a community should get together and do something to give the firefighters the credit they deserve.”

South Wales Fire and Rescue service confirmed the blaze was deliberate.

Four engines were sent to the scene as residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed, and crews were at the blaze into the early hours of yesterday morning.

It’s the latest in a list of recent deliberate fires, and wasn’t the only one to hit the South Wales Valleys on Wednesday, as officials were also called to another above Caegarw, Mountain Ash.

The fires come after one of the driest Aprils on record in Wales.

Rhi Phillips, who also lives on Fenwick Street in Pontygwaith, said: “It’s our first home and we haven’t yet moved in so it was worrying seeing all our money and hard work so close to being destroyed.”

The 28-year-old added: “The fire service deserve so much more recognition, they do an incredible job and I spoke briefly to some who had been working all day Wednesday on that fire and they were shattered but still trying their hardest despite it being pitch black on difficult terrain.”

Emily Mckean, 23, who also lives in Pontygwaith, wrote to the RhonddaOur Valley Facebook page: “Anyone know of something we can do to say thank you to those firefighters for all they did yesterday?

“I know it’s their job but all the hours they worked on that mountain and then attending other mountain fires just feel like they deserve something from our community to say thank you.”

A discussion is now taking place on the page drumming up ideas for a gesture to show the community’s gratitude.

A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We are working with our communities and partner agencies to reduce deliberate grass fires, with a focus on preventative activities to ensure that we engage with key groups and keep the communities of South Wales safe.”