FEARS are running high that there could be another major forest fire in the Wattsville area during the summer.

Dozens of people had to be evacuated from their homes in the village during the Easter holiday, as a huge forest fire swept frighteningly close to their houses.

Residents were told by fire chiefs and police to leave everything and go, as smoke and flames licked at the edges of their homes.

More than 100 firefighters with 18 appliances tackled the blaze, which raged for two days and destroyed around three square miles of forestry.

Now Caerphilly county borough councillors Elizabeth Holland and Don Cullen, who represent Wattsville, are arranging a public meeting later this month, where local people will get the chance to discuss their fears.

The move follows our revelation yesterday that arson attacks in forestry and grasslands cost Gwent £15 million last year.

Councillor Holland said residents had "grave concerns" that there could be more fires in the area.

She added that representatives from both Gwent Police and the South Wales Fire Service would be invited to the meeting.

Islwyn MP Don Touhig, who visited the village on the day of the fire, told the Argus residents had been "terrified" during the forest fire in April.

"It was very frightening at the time - some people were very scared, especially the elderly."

He added: "I hope that if it was started deliberately and the people are caught, that they are brought before the courts and given the maximum penalty.

"These fires not only destroy wildlife they also endanger life."

Tony Edwards runs the Troed-y-Rhiw environmental project for adults with learning difficulties in the village.

Residents were evacuated and the fire came within 50 feet of one of the houses. He said this week that he had "serious concerns" that there could be more fires.

South Wales Fire Service has just begun a major arson awareness campaign, in a bid to crack down on the arsonists who start the fires.