Toddlers were evacuated and rushed to safety from a playgroup after a fire erupted at a UK school during ongoing summer holidays. Plumes of smoke were seen coming from the windows of Awel Y Môr Primary School in Port Talbot, Wales, on Wednesday morning.
Multiple fire crews were called to the school shortly after 10am following reports of a blaze at the site. Firefighters from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations worked to bring the blaze under control, before leaving the scene at around 12.45pm. However, before emergency services arrived, staff attending a Flying Start session acted quickly to evacuate children who were taking part in the Lots of Tots holiday club, which was being held in a separate area of the school.
The youngsters were moved to safety while firefighters dealt with the incident. As a result of the fire and the disruption it has caused, the Flying Start group has been cancelled for the remainder of the week.
A post from the group said thanked staff “for their calm and professional evacuation of the children”.
A spokeswoman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 10.10am on Wednesday, July 22, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations were called to an incident at Awel Y Mor Primary School, Port Talbot.
“Crews responded to a fire within Sandwich Panels of the school. Crews utilised four breathing apparatus sets and two hose reel jets, turntable ladder and water bowser to extinguish the fire. Crews left the scene at 12.43pm.”
A post from the Lots of Tots group read: “Following the fire in the main school building, we’ll remain closed for the rest of this week.
“We’ll assess the damage and plan for the safe return of children and staff to the undamaged playgroup. A reopening date or decision can’t be made until a full assessment is complete.
“Finally, a massive thank you to the staff for their calm and professional evacuation of the children and ensuring everyone’s safety.”