A blaze ripped through Awel Y Mor Primary School in Port Talbot, Wales, on Wednesday morning, prompting the swift evacuation of young children and toddlers attending the Lots of Tots summer playgroup.
Fire Breaks Out at School
Huge flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from the building as fire crews arrived just after 10am. Scaffolding was erected around the school at the time of the fire.
Firefighters from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations battled the blaze, leaving the scene around 12.43pm.
Emergency Response
A spokeswoman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 10.10am on Wednesday, July 22, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations were called to an incident at Awel Y Mor Primary School, Port Talbot."
"Crews responded to a fire within Sandwich Panels of the school. Crews utilised four breathing apparatus sets and two hose reel jets, turntable ladder and water bowser to extinguish the fire."
Playgroup Closure
The Lots of Tots group will remain closed for the rest of the week. A post from the group thanked staff "for their calm and professional evacuation of the children" and said a reopening date cannot be set until a full damage assessment is complete.
Neath Port Talbot Council has been approached for comment.
