Fire Damages Front of B&M Store in Neath
A popular bargain retailer in Neath was forced to close its doors over the weekend after a fire broke out outside the store in the early hours of Saturday morning. The B&M branch on Riverside Drive remained closed to customers from Saturday until Sunday afternoon while emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the incident and the affected area was secured.
Despite speculation circulating on social media, police have stated that the fire is not being treated as arson. However, there has been no confirmation as to how the fire started. Images of the scene show the exterior near a row of trolleys completely blackened, with parts of the shelter above burnt through. The shelter above was visibly damaged and the walls blackened by smoke.
Emergency Response
A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Neath and Morriston fire stations were called to the incident at 1:31 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. Firefighters responded to a blaze in the external area of the building and used two hose reel jets, two breathing apparatus sets, two positive pressure ventilation fans, and small tools to bring the fire under control. The operation lasted hours, with crews remaining at the scene until 4:33 a.m. Following this, a cordon was put in place around the affected area while the store remained shut over the weekend.
It is understood that the branch reopened to customers on Sunday afternoon. Customers who have since visited the store reported that the smell of smoke was still noticeable more than 24 hours after the fire. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
Full Statement from Fire Service
The full statement from Mid and West Wales Fire Service reads: "At 1:31 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Neath and Morriston fire stations were called to an incident at Riverside Drive, Neath. Crews responded to a fire in the external space of the building. Crews utilised two hose reel jets, two breathing apparatus sets, two positive pressure ventilation fans and small tools to extinguish the fire. Crews left the scene at 4:33 a.m."
The store's closure affected shoppers over the weekend, but normal operations resumed by Sunday afternoon. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
