Children had to be evacuated from a playgroup after a fire broke out at a Welsh school during the summer holidays. Huge flames and billows of thick smoke were seen coming from windows of Awel Y Mor Primary School in Port Talbot on Wednesday morning.
Fire crews respond
Multiple fire crews rushed to the scene shortly after 10am. Before they arrived, staff at a Flying Start group being held at the school jumped into action to evacuate children who were at the Lots of Tots holiday club, which was being held in a separate part of the school.
The group will be cancelled for the rest of the week as a result of the fire. A post from the group thanked staff "for their calm and professional evacuation of the children".
Blaze brought under control
Firefighters from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations worked to bring the blaze under control, before leaving the scene at around 12.45pm.
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."
"Crews left the scene at 12.43pm."
Closure and thanks
A post from the Lots of Tots group read: "Following the fire in the main school building, we’ll remain closed for the rest of this week. We’ll assess the damage and plan for the safe return of children and staff to the undamaged playgroup. A reopening date or decision can’t be made until a full assessment is complete."
"Finally, a massive thank you to the staff for their calm and professional evacuation of the children and ensuring everyone’s safety."
Neath Port Talbot Council has been approached for comment.
