What happened at 14 Zephaniah Way, Gwent?

On 1 February 1996 the fire brigade received the first of eight calls to a house at 14 Zephaniah Way, Gwent.

Tragically the fire would claim the lives of three people, including two firefighters.

The property was a mid terrace, two bedroom house. It was of brick face, concrete block construction featuring wooden joists, wayrock floor boarding and a front porch with wired glass door leading to the hall and stairs.

How did the 14 Zephaniah Way house fire start?

The source of ignition is unknown but the fire is believed to have started in the kitchen. When the fire brigade arrived they were met with thick smoke but no visible signs of the fire.

The first team of two equipped with breathing apparatus made their way into the property and up the stairs where they found and rescued a young child. The firefighters were then informed of another young child inside and re-entered the property. The entire property became engulfed and they were caught in a backdraft.

Rescue attempts for the two fire fighting crew and the young child were hampered by the flames. However, the two were later retrieved along with a five year old boy. Tragically they were all pronounced dead on arrival to hospital.