Community

Fire service issues safety warning for Halloween and Bonfire Night

Published

8 months ago

October 27, 2025

MID AND WEST WALES Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is reminding residents across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion to stay safe during Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations.

Working with Dyfed-Powys Police, South Wales Police, local authorities and other partner agencies, the fire service aims to help communities celebrate responsibly while reducing the risk of fires and accidents.

As families prepare for spooky decorations, fireworks and bonfires, MAWWFRS has issued important safety advice to help ensure that the festivities remain safe and enjoyable for all.

Halloween safety

While Halloween is a time for costumes, pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, it also brings potential fire hazards. The service highlights the following precautions:

Costumes: Always check for a ‘CE’ mark or UKCA safety label. Many fancy dress outfits are flammable, so avoid open flames.
Candle safety: Choose flameless LED candles instead of real ones. If you do use real candles, keep them away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended.
Supervision: Keep an eye on children around candles and decorations, and make sure exits and escape routes are not blocked.
Emergency advice: If clothing catches fire, remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL.

Steven Davies, Head of Community Safety for MAWWFRS, said:

“Fire risks increase at Halloween, especially with candles inside pumpkins and flammable costumes. Check for safety marks on all outfits, and consider using LED candles for peace of mind. Keep exits clear and stay alert — small precautions can prevent serious accidents.”

Bonfire Night safety

Bonfire Night remains one of the busiest times of year for the fire service. Every year, firefighters respond to incidents involving unsafe bonfires and misuse of fireworks.

To help keep the evening safe, MAWWFRS offers the following advice:

Plan your display carefully and check legal times for setting off fireworks.
Buy only CE or UKCA-marked fireworks from reputable retailers.
Read instructions carefully and light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper.
Never return to a lit firework and never put fireworks in your pocket.
Keep rockets pointed well away from spectators.
Never use petrol or paraffin to light a bonfire.
Make sure fires are fully extinguished and the area made safe afterwards.
Store fireworks in their original packaging in a cool, dry place, away from children and animals.

Arson Reduction Manager Carl Williams added: “Despite annual warnings, Bonfire Night still brings a heavy workload for emergency services. The safest way to celebrate is by attending an organised fireworks display. If you do hold your own, plan carefully and follow all safety advice.”

MAWWFRS encourages everyone to celebrate both Halloween and Bonfire Night responsibly. By following a few simple steps, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your family and neighbours.

For more safety information, visit www.mawwfire.gov.uk or follow @mawwfire on social media for the latest updates.

Community

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

9 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.