Fire breaks out at Vale of Glamorgan primary school, forcing hundreds to be evacuated
Around 240 staff, pupils and contractors had to be evacuated after a fire broke out at St Athan Primary School in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Thursday 13 February 2025 10:40, UK
A fire at a school in the Vale of Glamorgan forced around 240聽staff, pupils and contractors to be evacuated.聽
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said no one was injured after the fire broke out at St Athan Primary School.
Vale of Glamorgan Council said all staff and pupils exited the building "promptly" after emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 12pm on Wednesday.
The fire was contained within a small block of classrooms and was prevented from spreading to the main part of the school, according to the fire service.
Council chief executive Rob Thomas has praised school staff as well as officers from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) for their response.
He said "the only thing that mattered was that no one was hurt" and paid tribute to the "professionalism" of staff and the "swift attendance" of the fire service.
"I'd like to recognise those individuals for that response, which meant a serious situation did not become tragic," he added.
"Thank you for your actions, I know I speak for the entire community when I say we are extremely grateful."
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While the school remains closed, the damage will be assessed by staff, the local authority and the fire service.
The council said an announcement would be made about teaching arrangements as soon as possible after the fire.
SWFRS said it used five fire appliances, two water bowsers and several specialist officers to respond.