3 days ago
Queen's Road fire in Chepstow showed best and worst of people
The fire broke out on Friday evening and spread quickly to neighbouring houses, causing roofs to be destroyed and extensive water and smoke damage to neighbouring properties.
The affected houses were in a block of four and all properties had to be evacuated, following fire spreading through the attic spaces, witnesses said. The claims are backed up by pictures showing significant fire damage to the roofs of adjacent houses.
Shirley Young, of Queen's Road, said: 'All the residents came together and helped each other. It was a real community effort and showed our good side. However, there were some who just came along and watched it as a show.'
The fire at Queen's Road, Chepstow, on Friday (Image: NQ)
A neighbour who wished to remain anonymous added: 'People came along with their cameras and sat in their camper chairs watching it as a show. They must have thought they were on Eastenders or something. Sitting in chairs and gawping at misery was what they were doing.'
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Emergency services close road in Chepstow due to fire
Pearl Barton, an elderly next-door neighbour to the gutted house is now staying with relatives and recovering from shock at the damage to her house, which includes fire damage to the roof and extensive water and smoke damage in the house.
According to witnesses, the roofs of all four connected houses were dampened by water spay, presumably to cool them and help prevent fire spreading.
Damage to the roof after the blaze (Image: NQ)
Pearl's son, Maurice Barton said: 'We would like to thank the firemen and all emergency services. It was all a great service they provided and they acted so quickly to control things and save us from worse.
'Everyone here has mucked in together to help and offer sympathy. We are so grateful to all who helped.'
Gwent Police said they had received reports of a fire on Queen's Road, Chepstow at about 4.30pm on Friday 13 June, with officers assisting colleagues from South Wales Fire and Rescue and Rescue.
They confirmed that several properties were evacuated, with all residents accounted for.
