Community
Fire service issues safety warning for Halloween and Bonfire Night
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
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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