News
Explosions from structure fire rock centre of Haverfordwest
RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest have been woken by the loud sounds of explosions and popping noises as a large fire took hold the county town.
The incident is ongoing as we speak, and emergency services have scrambled to the scene.
The Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has dispatched vehicles from multiple fire stations, including Carmarthen, to tackle the raging fire from above, using a turntable ladder.
The flames erupted in buildings off Dew Street, and people in the vicinity have reported small pieces of debris, resembling burning tyre fragments, raining down on the streets and gardens nearby.
Currently, Dew Street is cordoned off, and up to 30 firefighters are battling the blaze.
The situation has been challenging for fire fighters due to the nature of the fire, and it’s unclear whether anyone has been injured in the incident.
One resident living on Dew Street described the scene as she heard a massive bang, followed by smaller ones, and then popping and fizzing sounds.
She believes that the blaze originated from a nearby car repair garage, close to the Catholic Church. “I hope everyone’s okay,” she said.
Pembrokeshire county councillor Tim Evans, who lives nearby, said: “I’d taken my wife to work and by the time I got back it had gone up.”
“You could hear the explosions. I don’t know if it was petrol tanks or whatever but there were cars in there”.
“Fair play to the fire service, within an hour of they had it under control.”
Mr Evans said the flame then spread to another part of the building, but it was brought under control in another 20 minutes or so.
“It’s cleared up now. They’ve done their fire investigation and left but the police are still there”.
Cllr Thomas Tudor issued a statement saying: “A major incident took place in the Castle Ward this morning in the form of a fierce fire at a garage in Dew Street.
“I have been assured by the On Call Emergency response officer from Pembrokeshire County Council, the Fire Service and the Police that no one was injured or harmed.
“Residents were evacuated from the area and provided shelter at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.
“I understand that the fire has been extinguished and that the rescue operation in now being scaled back.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the emergency services involved in this operation including staff from the leisure centre, and should residents have any issues of concern please do not hesitate to contact me on 07966380554.”
The people of Haverfordwest are urged by police to stay away from the area and remain vigilant.
UPDATES TO FOLLOW
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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