Evacuees begin to return to blaze-hit block of flats

Nov 12 2007 Western Mail

MOST of the 20 families forced to evacuate a three-storey block of flats in West Wales have been allowed to return home.

Fire crews took four hours to tackle the blaze, early on Saturday morning, on Laws Street in Pembroke Dock.

Structural engineers were called in yesterday to assess the buildings, and most people living in the surrounding houses were allowed to return home.

Four people living in the most badly damaged flats and three contract workers had to be rehoused.

Two people had to be rescued from a first-flour flat by firefighters using a ladder. Paramedics attended the scene but no-one was taken to hospital.

Dyfed Powys Police organised the evacuation of residents to a nearby Tesco store where they were given food, drink and clothing.

The fire was in an area known locally as Humbers Corner. It began on Law Street and spread to neighbouring properties on Dimond Street.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has said both streets are expected to remain closed for some time.