**Quick-Thinking Nurses Rescue Elderly Man from House Fire in Pontllanfraith**
An 89-year-old man from Pontllanfraith narrowly escaped a potentially fatal house fire thanks to the swift intervention of two district nurses carrying out a routine evening visit. The incident, which took place on the night of Wednesday, 12 June, unfolded on Bryn Road, in Caerphilly borough, and has highlighted the extraordinary bravery and quick judgement of local healthcare professionals.
The pensioner, Rhys Bevan, was sitting in his lounge, seemingly oblivious to the danger rapidly developing within his home. According to reports, Mr Bevan, who has since begun his recovery, was unaware that his kitchen had caught alight and mistook the sound of his fire alarm for noise coming from the television.
It was by sheer chance that district nurses Paula Phillips and Karen Davies, both working for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, arrived at Mr Bevan’s house at approximately 9:30pm. Scheduled to carry out a standard welfare check, the two were met with thick smoke and the unmistakable smell of burning as soon as they entered the property. Upon further investigation, the pair discovered a chip pan well alight in the kitchen – a scenario that could have had much graver consequences had it been left undetected for just a few minutes longer.
Paula Phillips immediately dialled the fire brigade, while her colleague, Karen Davies, took rapid action to tackle the flames directly. Demonstrating remarkable courage, Ms Davies threw damp towels onto the fire and managed to transport the burning chip pan outside, removing a major source of danger from the home. Her selfless actions potentially prevented the fire from tearing through the rest of the property.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms Davies recounted, “It all happened so quickly—there was no time to think. The kitchen was thick with smoke and we could see the flames. I just knew we had to act fast to keep Mr Bevan safe.” Her partner on the night, Paula Phillips, added, “We’re just so relieved we arrived when we did. The most important thing is that Mr Bevan is okay.”
The emotional impact of the event has been felt beyond those directly involved. Ceri-Anne Sharp, Mr Bevan’s daughter and a shop assistant in Blackwood, expressed profound gratitude to the nurses for their actions. She stated: “I’m extremely grateful that the two district nurses got there when they did and saved my dad’s life. It could have been a lot worse—the firefighters said in another four or five minutes the fire would have spread into the rest of the house.” She also noted that the chip pan had been completely destroyed and the kitchen was now beyond repair. “We definitely won’t be getting my dad a new one,” she commented, sharing that the family had instead bought him an air fryer, which Mr Bevan amusingly refers to as a “hair dryer”.
The incident serves as an important reminder of the multifaceted roles community nurses fulfil. Jennifer Winslade, Executive Director of Nursing for the health board, paid tribute to her colleagues, remarking, “This is a powerful example of the vital role our district nurses play—not only providing care and support in the community but responding with incredible courage in emergency situations. Paula and Karen acted instinctively, calmly, and bravely. We’re incredibly proud of them.”
Such stories of everyday heroism tend to resonate deeply within local communities. This near tragedy not only underscores the crucial work carried out by district nurses across Wales but also highlights the importance of fire safety in the home, especially for elderly residents living independently.
While Mr Bevan continues his recovery, his story stands as a poignant example of the life-saving difference made by caring professionals who so often go above and beyond their duties. Their actions on that June evening will remain a source of gratitude for the Bevan family and an inspiration for health workers everywhere.
As local authorities investigate how the fire began and review ways to prevent similar incidents, many in Pontllanfraith will be reflecting on the extraordinary courage shown by Paula Phillips and Karen Davies—a timely reminder of the invaluable role frontline healthcare staff play in safeguarding our communities.