News
999 call after fire breaks out at Kilgetty laundrette
A FIRE erupted at Kilgetty Laundry Services on Monday afternoon, drawing an immediate response from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service after reports emerged of “visible flames and black smoke” billowing from the establishment. The incident occurred just before 5pm on February 5th, causing alarm among local residents and businesses in the vicinity.
Firefighters from Narberth and Tenby were swiftly dispatched to tackle the blaze at the commercial premises located on Carmarthen Road. Upon arrival, they encountered a gas-powered tumble dryer engulfed in flames within the single-storey building, measuring approximately 25 metres by 15 metres.
A spokesperson for the fire service detailed the operation, noting that the efforts to quell the fire involved the use of four breathing apparatus sets, two hose reel jets, and two thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint and extinguish the fire effectively. Following the successful dousing of the flames, crews employed one positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the building of smoke, ensuring it was safe and mitigating further risk of fire spread.
The fire, which was confined to the laundry equipment, was fully extinguished, and the firefighters were able to leave the scene by 6.25pm. The spokesperson remarked, “At 4.57pm on Monday, February 5, the Narberth and Tenby crews were called to an incident on Carmarthen Road, Kilgetty. Following reports of visible flames and black smoke, crews responded to a fire within the launderette.”
The incident has led to the temporary closure of Kilgetty Laundry Services, with the business announcing it will remain shut “until further notice” due to the damage caused by the fire. The quick response from the fire service prevented the fire from spreading beyond the initial source, averting potential disaster and ensuring no injuries were reported.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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