Large fire breaks out at popular seaside town as people evacuated from their homes - live updates (original) (raw)

A large wildfire has broken out behind Aberystwyth's Constitution Hill with people being told to leave their homes. Emergency services are at the hillside in the university town in Ceredigion and the flames are visible from peoples' houses.

Smoke from the hillside can be seen billowing into the air from the town centre and has spread to some of the residential streets.

Dyfed-Powys Police said: "Infirmary Road in Aberystwyth is currently closed due to a fire. Can all local residents please keep doors and windows closed whilst the emergency services deal with this and make safe. Thank you for your cooperation."

Read live updates below.

06:38David James

People affected allowed to return home

Ceredigion council has issued a statement to say that all affected people have been allowed to return home.

Following an outbreak of a fire at Penglais Nature Reserve, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) requested Ceredigion County Council to invoke procedures to open a Temporary Rest Centre for those displaced by the Fire at Penglais Nature Reserve.

A number of people from nearby properties on Infirmary Road, Aberystwyth were evacuated and offered respite until it was safe for them to return to their homes. Most of those evacuated made their own arrangements, but a small number of individuals remained at the rest centre until they were able to make alternative arrangements.

At 915pm, the Council was informed by MWWFRS that the rest centre could stand down and that residents can return to their properties.

We would like to express our thanks to the firefighters who responded to and dealt with the fire and to Local Authority staff who volunteered to man the temporary rest Centre.

21:08Laura Clements

Temporary shelter for residents

Ceredigion Council has set up a temporary rest centre for people who've been forced to leave their homes this evening.

19:14Laura Clements

Residents evacuated from homes

One resident on Infirmary Road said the smoke filled the windows and the back garden of their home and they were forced to leave. Here are the pictures taken from their home:

A number of flats have been evacuated and Mid and West Wales Fire Service said about 20 firefighters are at the scene. The service has taken nearly 100 emergency calls from the public.

18:23Laura Clements

Flames visible

Toby Hearne has captured video footage of the flames leaping from the hillside. This still from the video shows that some of the vegetation on the hill is burning furiously.

18:20Laura Clements

Aberystwyth looking 'apocalyptic'

Edward Neve is at the scene and described the town "looking very apocalyptic from up here at Penygraig".

18:16Laura Clements

More pictures from Aberystwyth

Gregory Harries has sent these photos of the fire at the back of Constitution Hill this evening.

18:04Laura Clements

Smoke affecting residential streets

Smoke is affecting some parts of Aberystwyth town and residents are being advised to stay indoors. Witnesses say the flames are visible from their houses. These pictures have been sent in by Joe Moore. It's being reported some residents are being evacuated from their homes.

18:02Laura Clements

Emergency services at the scene

Fire crews have arrived on scene this evening.