A man from Cardiff has admitted to starting a devastating blaze that left 21 people without a home and caused millions of pounds in damages. Lee Jakes, aged 33 and of Tresillian Way, appeared before the courts and pleaded guilty to a charge of arson in relation to the incident at Dyfrig House, a supported accommodation facility located on Fitzhamon Embankment near the city centre.
The serious fire broke out in the early hours of 2 March 2025, rapidly engulfing Dyfrig House and forcing the swift evacuation of its residents. Fortunately, no one was physically harmed during the incident. However, the consequences extended far beyond a single night of disruption, as the scale of destruction rendered the building uninhabitable and left its two-dozen occupants in urgent need of alternative shelter.
Cardiff Council promptly intervened, arranging for all 21 displaced residents to be rehoused following the emergency. Dyfrig House, which is part of a supported accommodation scheme run by the Pobl Group, suffered extensive structural damage. Estimates by authorities put the cost of repairs at over £2 million, with restoration work still ongoing several months later.
At the time of the fire, the precise cause remained unclear. An investigation led by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service initially concluded that the fire appeared to have been accidental. However, further inquiries subsequently resulted in Lee Jakes being charged and later admitting his culpability in the incident.
A spokesperson for Pobl Group, Nick Taylor, who serves as director of support, commented soon after the fire: “Dyfrig House, our supported accommodation service on Fitzhamon Embankment in Cardiff, was evacuated overnight due to a fire on the premises. All 21 residents were successfully moved to a nearby scheme managed by Pobl and have now been rehoused, with additional support provided in coordination with the local authority.”
Local authorities and emergency services have since been praised for their swift response, ensuring that all residents were evacuated safely and without serious injury. The aftermath highlighted the crucial role of supported housing services in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and the collaborative effort necessary to manage such crises.
Lee Jakes was remanded in custody following his guilty plea and is scheduled to be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on 18 June. The significant financial and emotional toll of the fire continues to be felt by those who called Dyfrig House home, as well as by the local community, which has rallied to support its displaced residents.
The incident has reignited discussions in Cardiff around the importance of fire safety measures in communal accommodation, as well as the ongoing demand for suitable housing for vulnerable groups. Questions remain about how institutions and local services can boost preparedness and resilience for future emergencies, given the substantial human and material costs involved.
As work to repair Dyfrig House continues, attention now turns to the upcoming sentencing, with many in the community hoping for justice and renewed focus on improving safety and support systems for those most at risk.