**Police Investigation Continues After Ferndale House Fire Leaves Home Destroyed**
A major investigation is underway following a devastating blaze that completely gutted a terraced property in the Rhondda Valley last week. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, 28 July, resulted in significant destruction and led to the evacuation of surrounding homes as emergency services battled to bring the situation under control.
The incident occurred on Protheroe Street in Ferndale, a typically quiet residential area in the valleys. Emergency services, including fire fighters and police units, responded rapidly to the alarm as the blaze tore through one home and threatened neighbouring properties. Fortunately, despite the scale of the destruction, no serious injuries were recorded. Several residents, however, required medical treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation, underscoring the dangerous conditions faced that night.
In a recent development, South Wales Police confirmed a fifth individual had been arrested in connection with the incident. The suspect, a 32-year-old man from Weston-Super-Mare, was detained on suspicion of arson. He now joins four other individuals—three men and one woman, also from the Weston-Super-Mare area—who have already been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. One of those charged, an 18-year-old, also faces an additional accusation of possessing a bladed article in public.
All four previously charged individuals—identified by police as Auryn Gustar, 19; Connor Pitt, 23; Storm Truman, 19; and Alfie Wheeler, 18—appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on 30 July. Police have stressed that their investigation is active and ongoing. A spokesperson emphasised the priority of keeping residents and the wider public updated as inquiries progress: “Investigations have been actively ongoing throughout the week, and we recognise the importance of keeping everyone informed about the progress being made. We will continue to provide updates as we work through the investigation.”
The aftermath of the fire has proved traumatic for the local community, prompting a swift response from the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and local support networks. Council officers mobilised immediately to provide guidance and tangible assistance to affected households. Their efforts have ranged from housing and insurance advice to the distribution of food and fuel vouchers to those directly impacted and to families providing temporary accommodation to evacuees.
Andrew Morgan OBE, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, expressed gratitude to emergency services for their efforts, noting the critical role played by first responders and council staff under difficult circumstances. “I would like to thank our partners in the emergency services for their actions since last night, and I’m thankful that no one was seriously injured in this appalling incident, which has impacted the community both directly and indirectly,” he said.
Morgan also praised the resilience and unity shown by the local population in responding to the tragedy. “Although this is an awful incident, teams on the ground have said how much the community have been rallying around those impacted, with neighbours and extended families supporting those in need. During times like these, the residents in our close-knit Valleys communities know how to support one another.”
With all those evacuated from their homes now able to leave emergency rest centres—many finding shelter with relatives and friends—the community is beginning to recover from the immediate shock of the event. Attention now returns to the ongoing investigation, as police continue to appeal for any additional witnesses or information that could assist their in-depth inquiries.
The situation has served as a stark reminder of both the destructive potential of fire and the strength found in collective action. As the investigation proceeds, the authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the events of 28 July to contact South Wales Police.
Residents can expect further updates as new details emerge, with law enforcement and local officials keen to reassure the public of their commitment to both justice and community safety as recovery efforts continue.