Hirwaun fire leaves man dead and 10 homes evacuated

A man has died in hospital after a fire which saw 10 properties evacuated.

The blaze broke out at 03:00 GMT on Tuesday at Gamlyn Terrace, Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taff.

The fire started on the first floor of a house before spreading to the roof and four neighbouring properties.

Firefighters performed CPR on the man, who was in his 50s. He was transferred to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil but South Wales Police later confirmed he had died.

Sarah Lewis lives across the street and was first to alert the emergency services when she heard her dogs barking.

"I thought maybe someone was trying to break in, but then I looked out the window and saw the house ablaze."

Ms Lewis, who is six months pregnant, said she still tried to help.

"I went out on street and knocked on doors. We managed to get people out of the houses and I was knocking on his door where the fire had started but there was no answer. The fire service were amazing and got him out and were doing CPR for a long time.

"The houses are only a stone's throw away from each other so I was scared for my safety and my family because things were falling off the roof and cables were sparking.

"Anything could have happened, because you've got cars with petrol in them outside too. It was just shocking to see."

"It was like something out of a film. You don't expect to see it on your doorstep."

The British Red Cross sent staff and volunteers to look after those affected by the fire but most have gone to stay with friends.

It said five of the houses affected were "uninhabitable" and it was "working with residents to help meet emergency housing needs".

Another resident, Stephen Richards, said the windows at one house had exploded.

"She's only just had them fitted but luckily she was on the night shift," he said.

Mr Richards added a window cleaner who had only recently moved to the street had tried to help by getting his hose out and spraying water before the fire service arrived.

Neil Clarkson said damage to his son's house was being assessed

Neil Clarkson described how his son raised the alarm after smoke started entering his home from the property next door.

He called the emergency services and then began knocking the doors of neighbours' houses to wake them.

Mr Clarkson said his son and daughter-in-law were now staying at his house while the fire damage was assessed.

Hirwaun Road was closed in both directions while the incident was dealt with and while it has reopened, some bus services are still being diverted.