More than 100 firefighters have been tackling a massive blaze that erupted in Abergavenny’s town centre, forcing the evacuation of homes and prompting authorities to advise people to avoid the area. The fire, which started on Frogmore Street, Monmouthshire, at approximately 20:35 GMT on Sunday, has destroyed several buildings, including the Magic Cottage charity shop, though, thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
A substantial emergency response has been mobilised, with Gwent Police and 14 fire crews on the scene throughout the night and into Monday morning. Firefighters have deployed specialised equipment, including four water bowsers, two aerial ladder platforms, and a high-volume pump, in a concerted effort to contain the flames. However, parts of the building, including the first and second floors and the roof, have collapsed, with one structure still ablaze as of Monday morning.
Residents in nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution, with the Abergavenny Leisure Centre opened to provide temporary shelter for those unable to return home. While some have been able to return, others are still displaced as authorities work to ensure safety in the area. A cordon remains in effect around Frogmore Street, Regent Street, Princes Street, and Baker Street, with police urging local residents to keep windows and doors closed to avoid the thick smoke still lingering.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service commended their crews’ efforts, noting they were “working arduously to prevent further spread to neighbouring properties.” They added that a “thorough investigation,” conducted with Gwent Police crime scene investigators, would determine the cause of the blaze.
Witnesses have spoken of the fire’s devastating impact. Local resident Joe Pugh described the “air thick with smoke” on Sunday night, telling BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, “From what I could see, it was widespread damage. It was centred around a lovely old row of shops, well-known to residents. The reports were that it was spreading quite rapidly, which was alarming, but thankfully no one was hurt.”
Mr Pugh noted that the affected building was once home to the family-run business Richards of Abergavenny. “Frogmore Street is one of the main arteries through town for pedestrians, and that building was occupied for 90, 100 years by a family business… I think the whole town will feel the effects of this for some time.”
Councillors have also expressed their sadness over the incident. Richard John, Conservative councillor for the Mitchel Troy and Trellech ward, described the fire as “horrendous” and “heartbreaking,” thanking emergency services for their swift action in a message on X, formerly known as Twitter. Similarly, Labour councillor Laura Wright, representing Grofield ward, described the fire as “absolutely devastating,” voicing her gratitude for those “working hard to get everything under control and make sure that residents are safe.”
