Scenes of devastation follow major fire in Abergavenny

Stephen Price

A community is in shock as the full scale of a major fire which ripped through an iconic town centre building in Abergavenny emerges today.

The fire began on the evening of 10 November behind Magic Cottage, a large charity shop on Frogmore Street occupying a building which was once the home of the town’s iconic department store, Richards.

At around 11pm, residents at a nearby sheltered accommodation, Radstock Court, were being evacuated, with large crowds forming nearby.

Gwent Police and 14 fire crews were called to the scene.

One elderly resident at Radstock Court spoke to Nation.Cymru and was shocked at the response – with fire engines reportedly arriving at 20.35.

Shock

He said: “The fire started hours ago and the town was covered in smoke but no one told us to leave until 11pm. What have they been doing for the last two hours?”

Many residents were unable to get out of the building unaided, with some joining the crowds in nightgowns or receiving help from other residents or relatives.

Chris Griffiths wrote on Facebook: “Just watching as part of Abergavenny burns tonight! I can’t believe my eyes! I hope everyone is safe.”

Another wrote: “The whole of Magic Cottage is gone.”

The fire spread to adjacent buildings, with worried residents and shop owners dismayed at the slow response from emergency services.

No alarms

A relative of an elderly person living at Radstock Court shared: “I got here at 9pm after seeing smoke billowing over the town. I sat with my dad and we watched TV as normal.

“It wasn’t until gone eleven that we looked out of the window and police shouted up and told us to get out.

“I personally had to knock doors on the top floor. One man was in bed. The response has been appalling. They should have sounded alarms hours ago.”

Thoughts with all those affected by the horrendous fire in Abergavenny town centre tonight. It must be heartbreaking. Thanks to the emergency services and hoping no one is hurt. pic.twitter.com/7Sa6ITwHc0

— Richard John (@RichardJohnRJ) November 10, 2024

Charlotte Williams who lives in nearby Brynmawr rushed to the scene to assist a relative in Radstock Court. She told us: “This is a really sad day for Abergavenny. It really is such a special row of buildings.

“People were sharing photos of smoke all night, but no one expected it to get to this.

“My grandad is lucky, he can come home with me, but I’m worried about the other residents. It’s really cold now and a lot of them are vulnerable.”

A terrible night for Abergavenny, just yards from our shop on Frogmore Street. I’ve never been so thankful for a road junction! Work begins on supporting our friends and neighbours recover. pic.twitter.com/PjB3hdSJK9

— Book-ish 📚 (@Bookishcrick) November 11, 2024

The fire also edged closer to the town’s Cable News store, which is described as ‘a local institution’  and is said to have destroyed their roof – while nearby Book-ish described the fire as a ‘terrible night for Abergavenny’.

A post on a local Facebook community group said: “Most of you are probably aware of the fire in what was known as Richard’s. This has had an impact on Cable News’ business which means that papers will not be delivered today.

Andrew Boone lives in a flat opposite Cable News on Frogmore Street and told us he had been instructed to evacuate, with the response running into Monday morning.

Sally Jones wrote on Facebook: “So very sad , so much devastation, thank god no one was hurt , a massive well done to our fire crew who fought this all night and continue to do so today ! Our town appreciates you all, not forgetting our police force also!”

Baker Street and Frogmore Street are both currently closed to the public.

Police are urging crowds to stay away but these calls had been ignored by many, with cars lining the roads to join crowds opposite the town’s War Memorial near the town’s Tesco Metro store.

Police statement

A press release from Gwent Police shared that emergency services are currently were in attendance tackling the fire on Frogmore Street, Abergavenny.

In the latest update, a spokesperson shared: “Emergency services remain at the scene of a fire that happened in Abergavenny on Sunday 10^th November.

“The fire, at the back of The Magic Cottage Charity Shop on Frogmore Street, was reported to police at around 8.35pm.

“No injuries have been reported at this time but due to safety concerns, and the risk of potential further collapse of the building, cordons are still in place.

“Partners continue to work together in an effort to minimise the impact whilst ensuring public safety, which remains our priority.

“Experts are carrying out a review of the structure of the building and cordons will be reviewed throughout the day to try and open any streets where possible, as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We understand the closures are having a significant impact on local businesses and we thank them, and residents, for their co-operation at this difficult time.

“At the moment the following roads remain closed:

• Frogmore Street
• Baker Street
• Princes Street

“The fire service is currently investigating the cause of the fire, and our officers are working with them.

“Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to call 101, or direct message us social media, quoting 2400375539.”

Detailed history on the Frogmore Street building, which was once the site of The Fountain Inn, can be found here.