A primary school in the Vale of Glamorgan, St Athan primary school, will be undergoing a major overhaul after a destructive fire ravaged parts of the school building. The fire, which occurred on Wednesday, was contained to a block of classrooms and an ICT suite, but the damage caused was substantial, leading to the closure of the school until after the half-term break. The incident required the response of five fire engines to subdue the flames, and fire officers were on-site for hours tackling the aftermath. Fortunately, all 240 pupils and staff at the school were safely evacuated without any reported injuries, thanks to the quick actions of school staff and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Following the fire, it was initially decided that the school would remain closed for the rest of the week, but due to the extent of the damage, the closure has now been extended until after the half-term break, which lasts until February 28th. The Vale of Glamorgan council has assured that remote learning arrangements will be made available for students during this period, with packed lunches provided for pupils eligible for free meals. Speaking about the incident, council chief executive Rob Thomas commended the prompt response of the school staff and fire service, highlighting that the situation could have been much worse if not for their swift actions.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service mobilised five fire engines, two water bowsers, and specialist officers to tackle the blaze, which started in the rear section of the school premises. Crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent any further damage to the surrounding buildings. Thankfully, all individuals present, including pupils, teachers, and contractors, were safely evacuated without any reported injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation in collaboration with on-site contractors and local authority education staff.
Pictures taken the day after the fire revealed the extent of the damage caused by the blaze. The roof of one of the school buildings appeared to have been entirely destroyed in the fire, indicating the intensity of the flames. Despite the significant damage to a section of the school, surrounding buildings did not seem to have been severely impacted. Efforts are now focused on assessing the structural integrity of the affected areas and planning for the necessary repairs and renovations that will be required to restore the school to its previous state.
The closure of St Athan primary school has disrupted the normal routine for both students and staff, but the community has come together to ensure that alternative learning arrangements are in place during the closure period. The resilience and quick thinking displayed by all involved in the evacuation and firefighting efforts have been recognised by the council and the broader community. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, plans are being made to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the school as they navigate through this challenging time.