Homes have been destroyed and 20 people had to spent the night in a leisure centre after a massive fire in south Wales.

There are no reports of casualties, but six bungalows were evacuated near Hazelwood Road, Newbridge, in Caerphilly county, on Wednesday.

“The houses were absolutely gutted. Their cars were damaged too,” said councillor Adrian Hussey.

He said residents tried to put the fire out but could not because it was so severe.

It is still not clear how the fire started, but First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said fire services in Wales were “at full stretch” due the heatwave and wildfires this summer.

Caerphilly council leader James Pritchard told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast the 20 residents initially taken to a leisure centre were moved to a hotel early on Thursday morning.

“As a council, we will do everything we can to to support the residents at this difficult time,” he said.

The cause of the fire was still to be determined by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, he added.

But ap Iorwerth said wildfires this summer were affecting “capability”, particularly in the Gwent and south Wales fire service areas.

He described the fire as “very destructive” and said his thoughts were with those who have had to leave their homes.

On Thursday morning, a small group of people were gathered at the police cordon blocking entry to Hazelwood Road.

They are concerned for their neighbours who have had their homes destroyed and there is a smell of burning in the air.

The fire service are still at the scene and moving equipment near the bungalows as the investigation into how this fire took hold begins.

Newbridge RFC said in a post on social media the club is “absolutely heartbroken” by the fire in Pantside.

The club has offered to supply hot and cold drinks, and provide showers and changing facilities to “anyone who needs it”.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received a call-out on Wednesday at 16:00 BST.

The Welsh Ambulance Service also sent a specialist team and two ambulances.

“Members of the public are urged to stay away from the area to allow emergency services to operate safely,” said the fire service.