Firms facing ‘major impact’ in aftermath of blaze on estate
THE fire that took place on Penarth Road in Cardiff on Wednesday will have a “major impact on the local business community”.
The businesses have been left unable to open their units since the blaze broke out on the industrial estate.
People described seeing plumes of black smoke at Penarth Road, Leckwith, with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service receiving a 999 call at about 3pm.
The fire service confirmed crews continued to work through the night, and the incident was under control by about 11am yesterday.
Two crews remained at the scene and investigations into the cause of the fire were continuing.
A director of a business nearby said there were concerns regarding potential asbestos. She said the unit has a ceiling made of compressed asbestos or fibreboard and, while it’s not desirable for everyone, its fire retardant properties are claimed to be exceptional.
Katie Parsons-Young, director of Kusten Vorland LTD, said many small business owners are now “upset and worried for their futures”.
“We know there are no casualties and everyone is accounted for,” the 32-year-old said.
“I’m an asbestos consultant and I’ve offered to help my neighbours at this worrying time. The ceiling throughout the original factory unit is a mixture of Amosite and Crocidolite. It’s high risk when damaged and exposure can cause mesothelioma.
“The tenants need to be cautious of this when entering the units after the risk of fire has ceased.
“There could potentially be friable asbestos contamination throughout and beyond the units.”
Katie added: “I accessed our offices for 20 minutes in order to get the job paperwork for today’s clients.
“This now enables some of our vans to go out on the road and carry out their asbestos removal projects.
“The office staff won’t be coming in today. After a lengthy shift the fire team are looking strong and just as busy as last night.
“The fire is definitely out but the smoke damage is prevalent. The other units, including the furniture shops, have extensive smoke damage.
“With 21 individual businesses operating from Freemans Parc this will have a major impact on the local business community.”
Michael Robbins, 32, one of the owners of Pro Fitness Cardiff, had to close the business and personal trainers who use the gym have also been affected by class cancellations.
He said he was unsure when he would be able to access the site again.
“I got a phone call to say there was a fire,” he said.
“Firemen came in at around 4pm as the gym was filling with smoke.
“You couldn’t really see in the gym. There’s a carpet area. I feel that will be damaged but I don’t know yet as I haven’t been inside.”
Michael has been back to the unit a few times but hasn’t been allowed back in so made the decision to close yesterday.
“We have had to cancel classes, which has cost us money,” he added.
FW Homestores was also affected by the incident. The business confirmed no one was injured during the fire and the unit suffered smoke damage as a result.
Speaking on behalf of FW Homestores, Victoria Ward said: “After the recent fire adjacent to our Cardiff store yesterday, firstly, we’re hugely thankful that no one was injured and despite the severity of the fire the only damage to our store was from the escalating smoke.
“The quick response from the fire services must be praised and shows what a great job the local servicemen and women do.
“We’re now awaiting access to the showroom to have a commercial cleaning company advise us of the job in hand and expect the showroom to be closed for at least the weekend in the short term.
“The team in the Cardiff branch have been moved to our other stores in Newport and Caerphilly to keep in contact with present customers and all phone calls will be diverted to them.”
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service area manager Gareth Davies said: “I wish to commend the many crews involved in this incident for their actions yesterday, and overnight which ensured that the fire could be managed and contained and prevented the incident escalating any further.”
Tenants have now set up a Facebook group called Freemans Parc Business Community to support each other after the incident.