FIREFIGHTERS have brought a large blaze under control at Bramble Hall Farm in Pembroke Dock.

The fire broke out in a portacabin filled with tyres and scrap materials late on Tuesday night (Nov 5).

The alarm was raised at 11:34pm by the farm owner, who reported being woken by loud bangs.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock Fire Stations were dispatched to the scene.

On arrival, firefighters found a shipping container with mixed scrap and around 100 tyres fully alight. The crews used four breathing apparatus sets, a ground monitor, a 45mm jet, two hose reel jets, and a water bowser to tackle the fire.

The blaze was fully extinguished by 5:07am on Wednesday morning (Nov 6), after crews worked through the night to contain the flames and dampen down remaining hotspots.

A local resident, Sean Burns, who was present at the scene, suspects the fire may have been started deliberately and has provided information to authorities, who are investigating the cause.

A FIRE broke out at The Bristol Trader pub on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, today (Wednesday, Nov 6), impacting two floors and the roof space of the popular establishment.

Firefighters from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven stations responded to the scene at 11:38am, spending around two hours battling the blaze. Smoke was seen billowing from the building as Dyfed-Powys Police closed Quay Street, advising drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews responded to a commercial fire in a two-storey building, measuring approximately 50m by 30m. The fire began on the first floor, spread to the second floor and roof space. Crews utilised eight breathing apparatus sets, four hose reel jets, one 45mm main jet, small gear, and a turntable ladder.”

Fire crews departed the scene at 1:58pm, and the police reopened Quay Street at 2:15pm.

No injuries were reported, and in a Facebook post, The Bristol Trader reassured customers that all staff members were safe.

A SHOPLIFTER has appeared before magistrates after admitting stealing food and alcohol from two stores in Pembroke Dock

John Ashby, 37, was seen stealing two crates of San Miguel lager valued at £22 from B&M Bargains on July 8 while on Hallowe’en of this year he entered the Farm Foods store, and stole 12 food items valued at £80.61.

His solicitor, Michael Kellher, said that the offences were committed after Ashby relocated to Pembrokeshire from London, where he was employed as a bricklayer.

“He’s always been in employment, but since moving to Pembrokeshire he hasn’t been able to find a job,” he said.  “He hasn’t signed on for Universal Credit with the result that he stole the foodstuffs out of necessity.”

Meanwhile probation officer Julie Norman said that Ashby’s Halloween theft was committed after the defendant had been placed on a Community Order, imposed on September 24, for a previous shoplifting conviction.

“Having said that, he’s attended all appointments with the probation service,” she said.  “The Community Order was given following his first ever conviction, so he doesn’t trouble the courts on a regular basis.”

After asking to address the magistrates, Ashby apologised to the court for his behaviour.

“I’m not a bad person,” he said.  “I’ve worked since the age of 16, but I’m not excusing my behaviour.”

Ashby was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.  He must also pay £80.61 compensation to Farm Foods and £22 compensation to B&M.