Investigation into fire at disused ex-pub and gym
AN investigation is underway into the cause of a property fire at a disused building in Gowerton.
A heavy emergency services presence, including the police, ambulance and fire service, were on hand at Sterry Road in Gowerton yesterday morning to deal with the blaze.
The fire took hold at a property which used to be a former pub and gym.
Mid and West Wales Fire Service group manager Steve Davies, who is county commander for Swansea, was at the scene and said: “Just before 9am calls came in of a fire and smoke coming from the building.
“On arrival, crews had difficulty gaining access but were then confronted with a well developed fire on two floors of the building. We needed to bring in six appliances and a number of breathing apparatuses needed to be used.
“There was a third floor flat occupied – but it was not at the time.”
Mr Davies said he could not confirm the cause of the fire or whether there were any suspicious circumstances.
Dan Williams owns Gents of Gower hairdress
ers in Sterry Road, across the road from the building.
He said: “I was cutting hair at 8.20am, then I saw a guy with a fire extinguisher running towards the empty building. I could not believe it.
“I have been here for three years and the building has been empty all of that time. I was told it was going to become a rock and roll bar at one time.
“Something needs to be done with that building as soon as possible.”
John Franklin also lives across the road from the building. He was in Station 86 cafe at the time when he saw the emergency services rushing past. Mr Franklin said: “I popped my head out of the window to make sure it wasn’t my house that was on fire!
“Police have called by my house since and asked whether I have seen anything. The emergency services were here straight away, it was a totally rapid response.”
Another person who lives nearby is Alison Howells. She said yesterday: “I heard absolutely nothing until my mother rang me to say what was happening. She had read something on Facebook. The building is not occupied at the moment. It used to be a gym to the middle floor.
“It’s a shock to see what’s going on this morning.”
Station 86 served up coffees to the fire service, ambulance and police officers as they dealt with the blaze. A customer also put £10 behind the counter to fund drinks for the workers.
Mid and West Wales Fire Service later issued a statement: “On Friday, October 23 at 8.46am, crews from Swansea West, Swansea Central, Llanelli, Tumble, Gorseinon, Carmarthen, Morriston, Pontardawe and Port Talbot attended a fire at a three-storey building in Sterry Road, Gowerton, Swansea. The fire was located on the first floor of the building and extinguished using 12 breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras, one main jet, one safety jet and small gear.
“The property was also ventilated using two positive pressure ventilation fans. Firefighting operations ended at 1.57pm, however, a fire service presence will remain at the scene for the next few hours to monitor the situation. The police were also in attendance. The incident is under investigation.”