Owner of Popular Restaurant Faces Potential Evacuation as Fire Erupts Nearby in Newport
In a bustling city centre in Newport, a dramatic event unfolded as a fire threatened to disrupt the operations of a well-known restaurant. The owner of Taste of Asia, Abdul Jalil, found himself in a challenging situation when fire crews warned him that his establishment might need to be evacuated due to a fire breaking out in a neighbouring building. The incident occurred on a busy Saturday night, with the restaurant filled with diners who were looking forward to a meal after Wales’ Six Nations clash with Scotland.
The situation escalated as emergency services closed several roads in Newport city centre to address the fire that had erupted. Gwent Police reported the closure of four routes including Bridge Street, Caxton Place, Baneswell Road, and Pump Street. Additionally, Newport Bus informed the public that Stow Hill was also closed off. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident promptly after being called at 6.13 pm, and by 9 pm, they confirmed that the situation was under control.
Mr. Jalil shared his experience, recalling the tense moments when the fire brigade suggested the possibility of evacuating the building if the fire spread. Despite the uncertainty, the patrons inside the restaurant remained calm. He mentioned, “We got a bit worried about what was going to happen. Luckily we didn’t have to evacuate but they did say they wouldn’t allow any more customers to come in.” The proximity of the fire to the restaurant raised concerns, as smoke could be seen emanating from the building next door.
As the details of the fire emerged, it was revealed that it originated in the basement of an old taxi office nearby. Although the property had been unoccupied for some time, the incident served as a reminder of the potential risks associated with connected buildings in a tightly-knit urban area. Mr. Jalil explained, “All these properties are built together hence why they said we may have to evacuate as they’re all connected.” The restaurant owner expressed relief that no evacuation was necessary but noted the collaborative effort of emergency services and understanding customers during the ordeal.
The swift response of the authorities and the efficient handling of the situation prevented further escalation of the fire incident. Despite the disruption caused by the road closures and the temporary halt in new customer arrivals, the existing bookings at Taste of Asia were accommodated seamlessly. Mr. Jalil highlighted the professional conduct of the emergency services and the supportive attitude of the patrons as key factors in managing the unexpected circumstances.
Instances like these underscore the importance of preparedness and quick actions in emergency situations. The coordination between businesses, emergency services, and the community played a vital role in ensuring the safety of individuals and minimising the impact of the fire incident. As the city centre returned to normalcy after the incident, the resilience and cooperation displayed by all involved parties became evident, reflecting a sense of unity in times of adversity.