Residents told to shut windows as flames rip through popular …
Residents were told to shut windows and motorists to avoid the area after fire ripped through an Anglesey[1] pub this afternoon (Tues, June 6). Crowds of onlookers were pushed back by police as fire crews rushed to the scene.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service[2] said it was first alerted to reports of a fire in a building on Chapel Street, Gaerwen, at 3.35pm. Crews from Caernarfon[3], Bangor[4] and Holyhead[5] are still in attendance.
The fire service urged people to keep their distance and told nearby residents to close windows. A spokesperson said: “People are asked to keep away from the area and local residents are asked to close windows and doors due to smoke in the area.”
North Wales Police[7] said Chapel Street in Gaerwen[8] is closed between the A5 and Lon Groes because of the fire. Officers are asking motorists to avoid the area so that emergency vehicles can get through.
The force said: “The road is likely to be closed for a while. Please avoid the area if possible as this is ongoing so the surrounding roads need to be kept clear.”
Speaking 45 minutes after the blaze broke out, a witness said: “It took hold of the pub very quickly. Already much of it has gone – I don’t think it will be reopening any time soon. There are scores of people watching what’s going on and filming the fire. It’s sad, very sad.”
Another witness said the blaze appeared to have begun in a plastic storage shed. “From there it spread to the roof and to the pub,” he said. “It looks to have gutted the kitchens, I can’t tell with the rest of the building.
“Police have pulled everyone back now. There are four or fire fire units at the site.
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“For a while you couldn’t see the building for smoke. Some of the smoke has cleared now but the fire is still ongoing.
“I don’t think anyone was inside – I think the pub is closed on Tuesdays.
On Tripadvisor, the Gaerwen Arms[10] is described as a “family friendly pub and restaurant with exceptional views of Snowdonia[11] (Eryri)”. It serves local produce and cask ales, and reviewers say it provides a “quality Sunday lunch”.
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References
- ^ Anglesey (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Caernarfon (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Bangor (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Holyhead (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Woman dies after being hit by lorry in town centre (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ North Wales Police (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Gaerwen (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ our Anglesey newsletter (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Gaerwen Arms (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Snowdonia (www.dailypost.co.uk)