School classrooms damaged by fire

Two classrooms were damaged in the fire

Fire crews worked through the night to tackle a blaze at a comprehensive school in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

The head teacher said the blaze was restricted to two classrooms in a separate technology block at Coedcae Comprehensive School.

Mid and West Wales Fire Service were alerted at 2251 BST on Thursday and crews had to pull out briefly due to fears over an acetylene cylinder.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

We have a real determination to make sure the school continues as normal Pete Spencer, head teacher

A third of the building and roof are reported to be severely damaged.

Head teacher Pete Spencer said: "The damage has been minimised to two classrooms out of five in the technology block but the whole building is out of bounds.

"We are not sure at this stage what equipment has been damaged as we have not been inside yet and have not assessed it, but from what we can see through the windows, the classrooms are a little bit of a mess.

"The fire won't affect the operation of the school. Coedcae has terrific community spirit and pupils, parents and staff really pull together.

The school was closed to most pupils for an inset day on Friday

"We have a real determination to make sure the school continues as normal."

Pupils were to stay at home today while teachers held an inset day, although Mr Spencer emphasised that a transitional day for year six pupils from neighbouring primary schools will go ahead. "Monday is also an inset day, which is fortunate given the circumstances," he added.

"But the school will open as normal on Tuesday and an open evening on Tuesday for year six will also go ahead."

Investigation

A Carmarthenshire Council spokesperson said: "The technology and RE block at Coedcae Comprehensive, separate to the main building, was badly damaged.

"Lessons due to have been held at the fire damaged block will take place in other parts of the school temporarily until repairs have been carried out."

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman said:"The joint investigation between the police and the fire brigade into the cause of the fire in Coedcae School Llanelli last night is ongoing.

"Anyone who has information which could help the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Richard Webber of Mid and West Wales Fire Service said it was "too early to speculate" at this stage.

Fire crews from Llanelli, Gorseinon, Tumble, Morriston and Kidwelly tackled the blaze.