A massive fire engulfed a historic chapel in Port Talbot on Thursday evening, drawing a quick response from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The blaze erupted at the Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel located at the junction of Station Road and Forge Road. Witnesses reported seeing flames and thick smoke billowing from the derelict and disused chapel, which has been a prominent landmark in the area.
Six fire appliances were dispatched to the scene to battle the fire, which attracted crowds of onlookers as firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the inferno under control. The fire service received numerous calls regarding the incident and arrived at the chapel around 6.51pm to find the building well alight. The efforts to extinguish the fire continued past 10pm on Thursday, with four regular fire engines, one aerial appliance, and one water bowser deployed to tackle the flames.
The Bethany Chapel, a Grade II Listed building, has a rich history dating back to the town’s industrial era in the late 19th century. Originally established as a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church in 1879, the chapel has since served various purposes, including as a library before closing permanently in 2002. The building, known for its distinctive dressed stone and cast iron railings, has remained vacant over the years, with plans at some point for its conversion into a bar or restaurant.
Images captured at the scene show the extent of the damage caused by the fire, with the roof of the chapel being consumed by flames. Firefighters were seen using aerial platforms and multiple hoses in their efforts to combat the blaze. Despite the intensity of the fire, there have been no reports of injuries, and no evacuations have been deemed necessary in the surrounding area. The nearby Tesco store has been given clearance to remain open as firefighters work to extinguish the flames.
The chapel, built in 1880 in the sub-classical style, holds significant architectural value in the community. Coflein, the online database for the National Monuments Record of Wales, describes the chapel as having a front facade with a simple round-headed doorcase and decorative fanlight. The building’s windows feature round-headed designs with ashlar dressings and marginal glazing, maintaining its historic charm despite years of disuse.
As firefighters continue their efforts to control the blaze, the local community remains engaged, with onlookers witnessing the monumental firefighting operation. South Wales Police were initially on site to assist but had to attend to other pressing matters. Reflecting on the incident, a Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed that good progress was being made in tackling the fire and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity.
The Port Talbot fire at the Bethany Chapel serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving historical landmarks in the face of unforeseen disasters. The resilience and dedication demonstrated by the emergency responders underscore the community’s unity in times of crisis. As investigations into the cause of the fire are likely to follow, the spirit of recovery and restoration will undoubtedly shape the future of this iconic chapel in Port Talbot.