Terrifying blaze engulfs town centre as over 100 firefighters tackle 'absolutely devastating' inferno
Fire broke out at the charity shop in Wales
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A fire has broken out at a charity shop in Wales with homes evacuated and more than 100 firefighters tackling the blaze.
Gwent Police and 14 fire crews were called to the scene on Frogmore Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, at about 8.35pm on Sunday.
The impacted building, at the rear of the Magic Cottage charity shop, remained alight through the evening and into this morning, but no injuries were reported.
Police urged residents to ensure all windows and doors were closed due to the smoke.
Fire broke out at the charity shop in Wales
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County Councillor for Mitchel Troy and Trellech Richard John wrote on social media: "Thoughts with all those affected by the horrendous fire in Abergavenny town centre tonight. It must be heartbreaking. Thanks to the emergency services and hoping no one is hurt."
Labour councillor for Grofield ward Laura Wright said: "Absolutely devastating fire in Abergavenny town centre tonight. Fire service and other emergency services still on site, working hard to get everything under control and make sure that residents are safe."
A spokesperson from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire crews are attending a large fire in the Abergavenny area. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and to keep windows and doors closed."
Gwent Police confirmed Abergavenny Leisure Centre in Old Hereford Road has been set up as a reception centre for those impacted and remain at the scene this morning.
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Fire broke out in the town centre
The Magic Cottage Charity Shop
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A spokesperson from the charity shop said: "The owners of The Magic Cottage charity superstore Tony and Lesley Reynolds say they are devastated by the blaze which has destroyed their shop tonight.
"We are really devastated for the families we support, our nine staff, our disabled volunteers and for the loss of such an iconic building for Abergavenny and of course for all the adjoining businesses and residents."
Laura Anne Jones, Conservative MS for South Wales East, said: "Heartbreaking scenes in Abergavenny, as a fire sweeps through three shops and the buildings.
"My thoughts are with the shop owners and all those affected."
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "[We] can confirm that at 2033 hours on November 10 2024, crews were mobilised to reports of a fire at The Magic Cottage Charity Shop in Abergavenny. At the height of the incident there were 14 fire engines, 4 water bowsers, 2 aerial appliances and a high volume pump used to control the fire, with approximately 100 firefighters at the scene.
"South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were supported by crews from Mid and West Wales, Hereford and Worcester and Gloucester Fire and Rescue Services. Crews took several hours to bring the incident under control and currently remain on scene working closely with the police and our partner agencies.
"The fire has caused extensive damage to the building causing a collapse to the first and second floors, and roof of the building, and crews working arduously to prevent further spread to neighbouring properties. A number of nearby properties were evacuated and there are no reports of any injuries.
"Cordons remain in place within the vicinity of the incident, and we ask the public to continue to avoid the area. We would like to express our best wishes to the businesses affected by the fire and we will endeavour to allow the area to return to business as usual as soon as practically possible."
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