Dozens of children were evacuated from a playgroup at Awel Y Mor Primary School in Port Talbot after a fire ripped through the building on Wednesday morning. The youngsters were attending the Lots of Tots holiday club, held in a separate part of the school, when the blaze broke out just after 10am.
Huge flames and thick black smoke were seen pouring from the windows. Staff evacuated all children calmly and professionally before fire crews arrived.
Fire crews respond
Firefighters from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations attended the scene. 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."
Holiday club cancelled
A post from the Lots of Tots group said: "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."
The group thanked staff "for their calm and professional evacuation of the children and ensuring everyone’s safety." Neath Port Talbot Council has been approached for comment.
