**Emergency Services Urge Abercarn Residents to Stay Indoors as Smoke Clouds Loom Over Town**
Residents in Abercarn, Caerphilly, have been strongly advised to keep their windows and doors firmly shut after a significant fire broke out in the area on Monday evening. As thick grey smoke billowed across the skies, both police and fire services swiftly responded to the unfolding incident, with local authorities urging the community to remain vigilant as the situation developed.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their presence at the scene during the evening of 16 June, while details regarding the exact source and extent of the blaze remained unclear at the time of reporting. In recognition of the potential risks to public health, emergency crews issued a public notice encouraging all residents in the vicinity of the incident to take precautions against inhaling smoke, which was reportedly dense and widespread.
Images circulating on social media and seen by local press revealed large plumes of grey smoke drifting above Abercarn, giving a sense of the scale of the emergency. Emergency vehicles, including a fire engine and several police cars, were also pictured at the site as first responders worked to bring the fire under control. The precise location and cause of the blaze had not yet been disclosed by the fire service as authorities prioritised tackling the flames and ensuring public safety.
The local fire service extended their gratitude to members of the public for their cooperation and timely reports about the fire. In a statement issued on Monday evening, a spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently in attendance at a fire in the Abercarn area. Fire crews are advising residents to keep windows and doors closed for the duration of the incident due to smoke in the area. We thank you for your calls and patience while we deal with it.”
Eyewitnesses described the incident as both unsettling and disruptive to the usually tranquil town. One Abercarn local, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted witnessing the eruption of smoke while at a popular local pub, The Market. “I was in The Market, just having a drink before heading out to Newport. At around 6.35pm I went to the front, and suddenly I saw this massive plume of smoke rising behind the old Welsh school that’s recently closed,” he explained. The witness continued, “The smoke was quite dark and choking, you could hear these crackling noises and what sounded like small explosions.”
Residents and business owners in the immediate area were reportedly affected by the incident, with some expressing shock and deep concern. “I think people are feeling a bit numb about it all—I saw several people looking very upset by what was happening,” the local continued. While there were no immediate reports of injuries at the time, the emotional and practical disruption was clear, underscoring just how quickly such incidents can impact small communities.
Given the volume and strength of the smoke, public health considerations remained at the forefront of emergency advice. Firefighters and other emergency personnel have continued to monitor air quality, emphasising that even those living some distance from the heart of the incident should remain cautious. The advice to keep windows and doors closed is standard protocol in such situations to prevent respiratory issues and control exposure to any potentially hazardous fumes.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continued, community leaders and emergency teams worked hand in hand to ensure that vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, received up-to-date information and any necessary support.
For the people of Abercarn, the incident served as a reminder of the value of community preparedness and the swift response of local emergency services. Updates are expected as authorities establish the circumstances leading up to the blaze and assess the full extent of the damage.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert for official updates and follow all guidance from emergency crews as the recovery effort progresses.