A HUGE fire broke out at Ron Skinner and Sons car dealership on the Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate in Tredegar during the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a large-scale response from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Approximately 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze, which was first reported at around 01:00am. Plumes of smoke and orange flames could be seen rising from the site, creating a dramatic scene visible from afar. Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precaution against the heavy smoke.
Witnesses described a night of chaos, with one local resident, Paige Bennett, reporting loud explosions that shook the windows of her home. “I’ve lived opposite the dealership for 21 years and I just can’t believe what I’m seeing,” Ms Bennett said, expressing disbelief at the scale of the destruction.
Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control. By 10:00 on Saturday morning, the fire service announced that the operation was being “scaled down,” though four fire engines and specialist appliances remained on site to manage the remnants of the fire and prevent any further flare-ups.
Alun Davies, the Member of the Senedd for Blaenau Gwent, expressed his concern and sympathy for the affected business, stating, “Everyone will be devastated by this news. I have already contacted Blaenau Gwent council and the Welsh government to ensure that Ron Skinner and Sons receives all the support it needs to recover and rebuild.”
Local organisations, including Parc Bryn Bach nature reserve and FC Tredegar, extended their well-wishes to the dealership, recognising its importance to the community. “Ron Skinner is a significant local employer for our town,” FC Tredegar stated in a social media post. “Everyone at FC Tredegar is shocked and saddened to see the devastating news.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and investigations are expected to take place once the site is deemed safe. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service thanked the public for their cooperation and assured that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
(Cover image: BBC News Hub)
