Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Woman arrested for arson after fire destroys five Welsh homes
A big fire started in a field in a town called Newbridge in Wales.
The fire spread quickly and destroyed five homes.
Many people had to leave their houses for safety.
Nobody was hurt, but some residents lost everything they owned.
The police arrested a woman because they think she may have started the fire on purpose.
She is being held while the investigation continues.
Firefighters worked hard and finished most of their operations the next day.
Kind people in the town and a local rugby club are helping by providing food, clothes and blankets.
The fire was not connected to other wildfires happening in the country.
The police are still asking anyone with information to come forward.
A 29-year-old woman from Newbridge was arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire destroyed five homes in south Wales.
The blaze broke out in a field near Hazelwood Road in Pantside, Newbridge, shortly after 4pm on Wednesday (12).
No injuries were reported, but 32 properties were evacuated and about 20 residents were later moved from a leisure centre to a hotel.
Gwent Police said the fire was not linked to other wildfires in the country and is investigating jointly with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The local community and Newbridge RFC are helping residents who lost their homes by collecting food, clothing and blankets.
- Who
- A 29-year-old woman from Newbridge, arrested by Gwent Police; residents of Pantside, Newbridge, were evacuated.
- What
- A fire destroyed five homes and forced the evacuation of 32 properties; the woman was arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
- When
- The blaze broke out shortly after 4pm on Wednesday (12); firefighting operations had largely concluded by Thursday (13) afternoon.
- Where
- A field near Hazelwood Road in Pantside, Newbridge, Caerphilly county, south Wales.
- Why
- The woman was arrested on suspicion of arson; police said the fire was not linked to other wildfires in the country.
- Arrest
- 29-year-old woman from Newbridge, suspected of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered
- Homes destroyed
- 5
- Properties evacuated
- 32
- Injuries
- None reported
- Location
- Field near Hazelwood Road, Pantside, Newbridge, Caerphilly county
- Emergency response
- 12 fire appliances and 2 ambulances
- Investigation
- Joint investigation by Gwent Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Suspect status
- Remains in police custody