Huge fire breaks out at primary school as hundreds evacuated from scene

A MAJOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEANT 'A SERIOUS SITUATION DID NOT BECOME TRAGIC', THE COUNCIL'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE SAID 17:55, 12 Feb 2025Updated 15:55, 13 Feb 2025 A primary school

has been badly damaged after a major fire broke out this morning. Emergency crews were called to St Athan Primary School in the Vale of Glamorgan on Wednesday morning after a huge fire broke

out at the site. Hundreds of school children were evacuated from the site, as thick smoke was seen billowing from the scene. Vale of Glamorgan Chief Executive Rob Thomas confirmed the

school would be closed for the rest of the week, with fire crews still at the scene of the incident. The fire is now contained to an ICT suite at the site, a fire service spokesperson said.

Mr Thomas said the fast reactions of emergency responders helped ensure "a serious situation did not become tragic", with nobody hurt as a result of the incident. The fire service

confirmed five fire crews, and other specialist units, were sent to the scene. The school will now work with the local authority and the fire service to assess the damage. The council

confirmed on Wednesday arrangements would be made with parents and carers regarding teaching for the rest of the week. Mr Thomas said: “After news of a fire at St Athan Primary School broke

earlier today the only thing that mattered was that no one was hurt. Article continues below "Thankfully, the professionalism of staff, who quickly followed emergency protocols, along

with the swift attendance of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ensured this was the case. I’d like to recognise those individuals for that response, which meant a serious situation did

not become tragic. Thank you for your actions, I know I speak for the entire community when I say we are extremely grateful.” A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“Today at approximately 11.48am, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to a report of a fire at St Athan Primary School. SWFRS mobilised five fire engines, two water bowsers, and

several specialist officers to bring the fire under control. The fire is now contained to a small block of classrooms and an ICT suite. Article continues below "Crews are exposing the

roof area where the fire originated to prevent further fire spread, heat and smoke damage. Approximately 240 pupils, teaching staff and contractors were safely evacuated from the school, and

there are no reports of any injuries. "We are working with on-site contractors and local authority education staff to establish the cause of the fire. Local authority personnel are

invoking their education continuity plans and will release information on these in due course.”