Police launched an investigation with the fire service after being called to a fire in Ferndale in the early hours of Monday morning. Several homes were evacuated and a rest centre was opened up
16:05, 28 Jul 2025Updated 16:39, 28 Jul 2025
A terraced house was destroyed by fire(Image: John Myers)
Four people have been arrested after a fire destroyed a terraced house in a Valleys town. The incident happened at around 1.30am on Monday morning at a terraced house on Protheroe Street, Ferndale, and a number of properties were evacuated.
On Monday afternoon South Wales Police confirmed that three men and one woman have been arrested in connection with the incident and are in police custody. No serious injuries were reported although a number of residents were treated for smoke inhalation.
A police spokesman said: “Early indications reveal that the fire was started deliberately. Within 30 minutes of the fire being reported a car was proactively stopped by officers from our roads policing unit and three men aged 18, 19 and 23 and a 19-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
“All four remain in police custody.”
Photos from the scene show the aftermath of the blaze, with significant damage to the property. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here
Doors and windows at the property are gutted and a white car parked outside also shows fire damage.
Road closures remain in place and a rest centre has been set up by the local authority to support those affected.
Emergency services and partner agencies are working together at the scene.
Homes have been evacuated after a house fire in the early hours of Monday morning at Protheroe Street, Ferndale(Image: John Myers)
The full statement reads:
“South Wales Police was called at 1.25am this morning, Monday, July 28, with a report of a house fire on Protheroe Street, Ferndale.
“As it is a terraced house several neighbouring homes were evacuated by local officers for safety reasons.
“Fortunately, despite the ferocity of the fire, there have been no reports of any serious injuries although a few residents were treated for smoke inhalation.”
It added: “Early indications reveal that the fire was started deliberately. Within 30 minutes of the fire being reported a car was proactively stopped by officers from our roads policing unit and three men aged 18, 19 and 23 and a 19-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. All four remain in police custody
“Officers continue to maintain a police cordon on Protheroe Street as our investigations continue. Emergency services, in collaboration with partner agencies, are managing the fire’s impact on those effected and the wider community.
“To provide further assistance a rest centre has been set up by the local authority to support those displaced by the incident.
“The local residents have shown strong community spirit by rallying together to support those families effected and we would like to thank them for their understanding and co-operation during this ongoing investigation.
“A joint investigation by South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has begun in order that we can determine the exact cause of the fire.
“We are asking anyone with doorbell or CCTV footage from properties on Protheroe Street, Brown Street, Irfon Street, and New Street from 10pm on Sunday July 27 to 2am this morning, Monday July 28, to get in touch.
“We would also like to hear from anyone with dashcam footage who was on any of the streets at the highlighted time to also contact us.”
Anyone with any information can reach South Wales Police via live chat here, online here, or by calling 101 quoting reference 2500239959.
The property was destroyed by the fire(Image: John Myers)
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council were involved in the rest centre that was set up overnight for residents, whilst describing the fire as “an awful situation.”
A Rhondda Cynon Taf Council spokesman said: “As a result of the fire and evacuation of residents, a rest centre was set up at Rhondda Fach Sports Centre to accommodate residents overnight.
“Council officers are engaging with those residents to understand any housing and practical support they need to get through this awful situation.
“We will continue to work with our emergency service partners around this incident and thank the wider community for their continued support.”
Join the WalesOnline WhatsApp community
WalesOnline has launched a new breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. From the biggest court stories to the latest traffic updates, weather warnings and breaking news, it’s a simple way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Wales.
Want to join? All you have to do is click on this link, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in. We will not spam your feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily.
If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking ‘Exit Group’. We occasionally treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
Join our WhatsApp community here