On Thursday morning, the acrid scent of smoke remained in the air over Pantside as locals gathered beyond security barriers, seeking information less than a day after flames ripped through their neighbourhood.

A blaze that swept along Hazelwood Road in Newbridge on Wednesday, August 12 destroyed multiple dwellings and forced around 20 residents to abandon their properties overnight.

By 10.30 the following morning, police barriers continued restricting access to the road with officers stationed at multiple entry points around the affected area.

Locals moved in and out of the restricted zones, speaking with officers and questioning when they might be permitted to return to the area.

At one of the checkpoints, a small group stood together, gazing down towards the damaged properties. They appeared visibly shaken by the events and, quite understandably, declined to comment when approached.

Further up Hazelwood Road, the extent of the devastation became apparent. The ground had turned jet black, trees bore scorch marks, and the odour of scorched material lingered heavily.

The bungalows were positioned close to one another, with modest gardens and driveways leading onto fields of long, parched grass. Cattle grazed quietly in nearby paddocks, mere metres from where the fire had occurred.

Councillor Leroy Jeremiah explained he was at his daughter’s home when he first spotted the smoke.

The councillor recalled that they could see smoke in the distance and initially believed it originated elsewhere, but as they crested the hill, the full scale of the blaze became visible.

He admitted the situation was genuinely frightening.

Councillor Gary Johnson recounted how rapidly the flames leapt from the fields towards the houses, with residents making desperate attempts to suppress the fire using buckets and garden hoses before professional help arrived.

The councillor noted that what proved most alarming was the fire crossing to the opposite side of the road, potentially threatening every property on that side. It demonstrated how fire cannot be controlled or stopped.

For those whose residences suffered severe damage, the impact extended far beyond mere structures.

The councillor observed that victims had lost everything, including all their cherished memories, photographs, and similar irreplaceable items.

As emergency services tackled the blaze, the broader community immediately began offering assistance.

Paul Rogers, secretary of Newbridge Rugby Football Club, stated the rugby club made its facilities available to anyone impacted by the incident.

Mr Rogers stated it was unlike anything he had previously witnessed. Their entire existence had been destroyed, regardless of how long they had lived there.

The club provided changing rooms, washing facilities, a place to rest, and refreshments.

By Thursday morning, no one had required overnight accommodation at the club, with those displaced instead staying at a nearby Premier Inn.

However, Mr Rogers indicated the offer of help would remain available for as long as necessary. The club stood ready to support those affected.

Assistance had already started arriving from throughout the neighbourhood, with individuals contacting the club to contribute clothing, blankets, food and supplies for pets.

Mr Rogers noted the community was uniting to provide support in any way possible.

That assistance was evident around the barriers on Thursday morning.

Residents from properties opposite the restricted zone emerged to offer officers drinks and food.

Others paused to request updates or inquire whether those affected might be able to return to their homes. No definitive response was yet available.

Caerphilly council leader Jamie Pritchard confirmed temporary housing would be arranged for as long as required and that support for residents remained ongoing.

Councillor Pritchard stated the primary goal was to provide assistance to the affected residents.

Yet nearby, ordinary daily routines continued as usual.

Waste collection teams gathered recycling while sounds of children echoed from a summer football camp at the nearby primary school. This presented a marked contrast to Hazelwood Road, where residents remained confined beyond police tape.