A fifth individual has now been formally charged in relation to a severe arson incident which left a Rhondda family home completely destroyed. The fire in Ferndale has shocked and unsettled the normally quiet community, raising significant concerns about residential safety in the Rhondda Valleys.
The blaze erupted in the early hours of Monday, 28 July, at a terraced property on Protheroe Street, Ferndale. According to South Wales Police, the incident led to major disruption on the street. Several homes were hastily evacuated and a number of families were forced to leave their properties in the middle of the night as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, however, the fire entirely gutted one home and caused collateral damage to adjacent properties. Emergency services established a rest centre to shelter those affected, working into the day to provide support and reassurance to shaken residents.
The latest development in the investigation was confirmed by South Wales Police on Wednesday evening, 6 August. Lewis Manito, 32, from Weston-Super-Mare, has become the fifth person to be charged with arson with intent to endanger life, joining four others who were charged earlier. All of the accused come from Weston-Super-Mare, underlining the cross-regional nature of the case that has gripped two communities.
The four individuals previously charged are Auryn Gustar, 19, Connor Pitt, 23, Storm Truman, 19, and Alfie Wheeler, 18. These men made their first appearance at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on 30 July. During the brief hearing, none of the defendants entered pleas and all have been remanded in custody while investigations continue. Notably, Mr Wheeler faces an additional charge of possessing a knife, blade, or other sharply pointed article in a public place.
In the aftermath of the fire, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council leader, Andrew Morgan OBE, expressed his gratitude to the emergency services and council staff. He praised their rapid intervention, saying, “I am thankful that no one was seriously injured in this appalling incident, which has impacted the community both directly and indirectly.” Mr Morgan also highlighted the council’s ongoing efforts to assist the affected residents, including help with housing, insurance queries, and practical aid such as food and fuel vouchers.
Mr Morgan emphasised the resilience and solidarity demonstrated by the local community, reporting that neighbours and extended families had offered shelter and comfort to those displaced by the blaze. “Our close-knit Valleys communities have shown once again that during difficult times, they pull together to support one another,” he added.
The evacuated residents have now all left the rest centre provided by local authorities, with many taking refuge with friends and relatives while their homes are assessed. Despite the trauma of the incident, local reports suggest an extraordinary response from the community, with regular donations and offers of help being made to those most severely affected.
The investigation remains ongoing, and South Wales Police continue to appeal for any further information from the public. The circumstances surrounding the fire and the involvement of the suspects are the subject of meticulous forensic examination, as authorities work to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact South Wales Police directly or use their anonymous tip line. The local community is keenly awaiting further updates as legal proceedings progress.