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Chronology of the Fire Service

The information in this section is an edited version taken from

Llanelli - Birth of a Town a CdRom by William and Benita Rees

Chief Officers- 1887-1941

1887-1899 Captain D M Scott

1899-1908 William Picton Philipps

1908-1913 David Rogers

1913-1921 S Jones

1921-1936 J E Jones

1936-1941 W Protheroe

National Fire Service (NFS) 1941-1948

Carmarthenshire & Cardiganshire Joint Fire Bridge 1948-74

1948-1974 D Gerald Jones

Dyfed County Fire Brigade 1974-1996

1974-1996 Glyn Walsh

1974-1996 H J Shayle

1974-1996 Ronnie King

Mid & West Wales Fire Brigade 1996-

1996-2002 (November) Ronnie King

2002- Douglas Mackay

Note The correct spelling of the town’s name was Anglicised (Llanelly) around 1841 and this situation continued until 1966 when it was changed to the correct form of ‘Llanelli’. The Anglicised spelling has only been used if included in a proper name or documentation.

In the early days of the fire service the brave, unpaid fire fighters laboured under dangerous and difficult conditions. If it was not for the seriousness of their situation, it was, at times, quite farcical. The lack of a communications system and inadequate equipment were the main problems. When a fire broke out and the alarm was raised, appointed messengers would round up the crew to fight the fire but delays often resulted in a tragic loss of life and the complete destruction of the building together with the contents. Residents from adjacent properties would be forced to remove their furniture and possessions because their homes would also be at risk from the close proximity of the fire that was often fanned by strong winds.

1813 A newspaper recorded that during November two cottages on a farm called Bryn Gwyn Bach, near Llanelli, were completely destroyed by fire. It seems the farmer’s children had been left alone in the small thatched dwellings when the fire broke out.

1849 A fire broke out in a warehouse belonging to William Webb of Llanelly that destroyed the building and most of the contents. The warehouse was reported to have contained 1,400 bushels of wheat, besides oats and other grain, which were all burnt to a cinder causing a substantial financial loss to Mr Webb.

1859 During September, just before 6 o’clock in the evening, two hayricks in a field, belonging to John Randall of Water Street caught fire. A newspaper report described how the townspeople were thrown into great confusion as they made their way, from all directions, to witness the spectacle. The fire engine arrived at the field but was unable to put out the fire because the water had been turned off at 5 o’clock.

1880 It was not until 1880 that the town had its first steam fire engine and then it was only after many representations to the local authorities about the inadequacies of the antiquated fire engine. The local authority had purchased a ‘magnificent little steam fire engine’ from the renowned makers Messrs Merryweather and Sons of London. G W Gaussen, chairman of the Board of Health accompanied by Messrs H J Howells, J Jennings (Clerk to the Board), and Geo Watkeys (Surveyor to the Board), together with a large number of inhabitants, assembled in the Park for a demonstration.

Because the new fire engine was steam operated it was necessary for the manufacturer’s engineer, a Mr Robbins, to supervise operations. It took 8 to 9 minutes for the steam pressure to rise to the required 100 pounds per square inch. Two local firemen named Dawkins and Griffin were then able to take hold of the hose, and handling it with remarkable dexterity, they sent a large volume of water, with a great force, over the houses adjoining the Park.

Other displays took place near the Athenaeum and the Nevill Memorial, much to the satisfaction of the onlookers.

1881 On a Sunday afternoon in May around 4 o’clock, a fire broke out in the chimney of the Farmers Arms in Thomas Street. In common with most of the buildings in the street at that time, the roof of the public house was thatched. Within a matter of minutes the fire spread as sparks showered onto the building next door. The inhabitants of the adjacent building and the fire service messengers were told of the danger, whilst another person ran to the Fire Station in Hall Street. Benjamin Thomas, who was the landlord of the Farmers Arms, had already climbed up onto the roof where he took off his coat and placed it over the fiercely burning thatch. Onlookers passed up buckets of water in a desperate attempt to put out the fire. About ten minutes later the fire service arrived at the scene with a reel and hose and proceeded to spray water on the smouldering roof. The prompt actions of the landlord and the onlookers had contained the fire but Benjamin Thomas, in his valiant efforts to put out the fire, had his hair and whiskers burnt and his face was scorched. It was reported that once the fire engine had played a large volume of water onto the burning roof all signs of the fire were extinguished.

1882 Apparently there had been complaints about the efficiency of the fire service and their ability to cope with fire. However, it has to be remembered that the firemen, who were employed by the Local Board, were not paid anything for their fire duty. Whether they put out the fire, or not, they got the same – nothing. After a long hard day’s work it can only be imagined how they felt having to turn out at midnight to put out a fire knowing that they would remain unpaid! There were calls for a volunteer Fire Brigade, similar to the one that had been established in Pontypridd, at very little cost to the ratepayers, because the Fire Insurance Companies had given £400 towards it.

1886 At a meeting of the Local Board of Health, held in April 1886, Ernest Trubshaw was appointed Chairman and it was decided to appoint a Fire Brigade Committee to oversee and administer the Llanelli Fire Service. Aaron Stone, Joseph Maybery and Henry Baker were required to prepare a report on organising a proper Fire Brigade.

At a meeting held 17 December 1886 the Committee recommended that a Fire Brigade be established consisting of at least twelve men and a director or chief officer.

1887 During April 1887 it was Moved by Ernest Trubshaw, Seconded by Henry Baker and Resolved that a Fire Brigade Committee consist of: J S Tregoning Chairman; E Trubshaw; Joseph Maybery; Henry Baker; Henry John Howell; John Hopkins; John Beavan Phillips; Henry Thomas, and that they be authorised to carry out the recommendations of the Committee as agreed at the meeting held 17 December 1886.

Captain Scott, the town’s Police Superintendent was also the town’s first Fire Chief and served from 1887 to 1899. The local Board of Health appointed Captain Dalkeith Martin Scott on 25 March 1887 and from that time he and his courageous fire fighters who were part-time firemen operated from a converted butter market situated in Vauxhall, where the fire station was later built.

The town’s first Fire Brigade came into being on 5 July 1887 and consisted of: Director or Superintendent Captain Dalkeith Martin Scott; Lieutenants: D A Edwards; Evan Rees. Engineer: Benjamin Williams; Firemen: John Lewis; D Lewis; Joseph Williams; D Phillips; David Watkeys; Frank Jones; W H John; Lewis Morris and David John. Messengers: David Jones – Spring Gardens (a Board of Health employee) and David Williams – back of the Nag’s Head (a mason’s labourer). The cost of fitting out the Brigade was £151

In the early hours of an August morning, when a fire broke out in the timber yard belonging to Messrs Benjamin Howell, it was not only rounding up the fire fighters that caused a delay, the brigade was unable to find a harness for the horse.

The brigade was also delayed at the New Dock Road railway crossing, as they had to wait for a train to pass before proceeding to the fire. This fire was the worst that Llanelli had experienced and the damage caused was said to be at least £10,000. The Fire Brigade consisted of Captain Scott, 12 firemen, and a messenger using a fire engine pulled by horses. They fought valiantly to put out the fire and Scott decided to concentrate on preventing the fire from spreading to adjoining cottages. The residents of the cottages had already taken their furniture and possessions out into the street in case the fierce fire engulfed their homes.

On 31 October 1887 Superintendent Scott wrote to the Local Board of Health recommending the appointment of firemen for the Fire Brigade Station at the Dock: John Hughes of Stanley Road and David Thomas of 7 Dolau Fach.

1888 A survey of fire fighting equipment showed that hydrants in several parts of the town were useless and lack of water pressure at the higher levels was another problem to overcome for the hard pressed firemen.

1891 Captain Scott was congratulated on the efforts of his brigade when a serious fire broke out in the premises of Williams and Sons, Tailors, of Cowell Street. The Tailor’s shop was next door to the Post Office and there were fears for the safety of the important postal centre. The fire which had broken out on a Saturday night in September completely destroyed the tailoring stock.

1892 One Sunday during March, around three or four o’clock in the morning, a house belonging to Mr Buckley caught fire. The house which was the last on the Old Road was occupied by John Lewis and his family. It appears that Mr Lewis tried to raise the alarm, and rushed to the stream to fetch water.

Unfortunately the fire took hold and it was impossible to put out the fire. Two years previously the house had been a primitive dwelling with a thatched roof, but after it was demolished and alterations were carried out, the thatched roof was replaced by a slated type. Sadly the house was completely destroyed and three children trapped inside burned to death.

As the town expanded and more businesses, shops and domestic dwellings were built, there was an increase in the number of fires that the brigade was called on to attend. Because many of the properties were thatched and very close together, the risk of the fire spreading was always a serious hazard. When a fire broke out in the Cloth Hall, Market Street, during December, a newspaper report described how Captain Scott and his men made the best use of the two hoses. During the conflagration a family escaped to safety across the river, carrying their children.

1894 The Market seems to have had its fair share of fires and Captain Scott had to cope with crowds of sightseers as well fire-fighting. Hundreds would be attracted to the scene by the brightness of the flames – not seeming to realise the danger they were in. Often the police were called in to clear the market crowds so that the brigade, could put out the raging fires.

1895 Captain Scott remonstrated with the authority that the firemen’s uniforms had not been renewed for more than seven years.

1898 When a fire broke out in an ironmongers shop belonging to Mr Arthur in Burry Port during November, the alarm was raised by passing a hand written notice to the local GWR signal-box who then transmitted the message to Llanelli. It took more than 50 minutes for the horse drawn fire engine to arrive at the scene, by which time Mr Arthur’s house and shop were completed gutted by the fire.

1899 Captain Scott suffered ill-health in 1899 and died on 21 November of that year. His memorial can be seen at Holy Trinity Church, Felinfoel. He was succeeded by Superintendent William Picton Philipps from 1899 to 1908.

1902 Superintendent William Picton Philipps drew attention to how shabby the ten fire fighters appeared when they had attended a display at Newport, where Lord Tredegar had inspected about 200 firemen. The Superintendent did qualify his remarks by saying that his firemen looked very workmanlike.

1903 Superintendent Philipps also commented that four of the caps worn by the fire fighters had been in use for 13 years. Later that year, when his fire fighters were due to be inspected by the Duke of Marlborough at Margate, he complained that during the past 15 years, full dress uniform had only been supplied on two occasions. One can only imagine how shabby these brave fire fighters would have looked on parade – and not exactly a good reflection on the town.

Although the fire service lacked equipment and suitable clothing, their pioneering spirit, commitment, dedication and bravery was outstanding. Their primitive equipment meant that they had to work at close quarters risking life and limb at every fire. One early record indicates that Superintendent Philipps asked for an additional supply of ‘water bags’ to be provided to protect the wheels of the fire engine from burning. A horse-drawn Merryweather Steam Engine was purchased from Davenport Dockyard.

1904 Fire fighting was virtually impossible in the districts of Old Road and Tyrfran. There was no guarantee that any emergencies occurring outside the borough would be attended by the Fire Brigade, unless prior payment had been made to the local council for their fire service.

1905 A big blaze at the stores of W J Phillips, grocer and ship’s chandler, in Marine Street, Seaside, threatened the neighbouring premises. The Police Station was informed of the fire and messages were also sent to the Railway Station and the Copperworks. The GWR with their car and hose were the first on the scene about five minutes after the alarm was raised. Unfortunately their pipes did not fit the mains supply because the GWR had different fittings to those of the town. Undaunted everyone tried to help and before long Superintendent Picton Philipps arrived in his motor car with the hose. Occasionally there were sporadic outbursts of flames and most of the stock and furniture was destroyed. The firemen battled for an hour, competing with strong winds that fanned the flames, before the fire was put out. Police Inspector Mitchelmore and the policemen in his charge helped the Fire Brigade and neighbours rallied around to look after the residents who had been made homeless. The total damage was estimated to be £2,000.

1908 William Picton Philipps tendered his resignation in a letter dated 23 September 1908 and David Rogers succeeded him as Superintendent of Police with responsibility for the Fire Service.

1909 When an enthusiastic Police Officer sent the Fire Brigade to a house in Sunny Terrace, Halfway, just a few yards outside the borough boundary, he was reprimanded for his initiative.

At this time, although messengers were still appointed to round up the fire fighters, technology had advanced sufficiently for the National Telephone Company to be able to install an alarm bell system in their homes.

1910 Superintendent David Rogers complained bitterly that the firemen’s uniforms were not in a fit state to join in any procession or ceremony.

1912 David Rogers was still complaining that Messenger Rees did not have a uniform and Messenger Drew did not have a suitable pair of trousers.

Thousands of onlookers were attracted to the scene when a fire broke out in the Tinstamping Company Works during December. The Works had their own fire fighting team who were summoned to the blaze by the factory steam hooter. They tried desperately to put out the fire with a handcart and hose before the town’s Fire Brigade arrived at the scene. Other firemen also left the Fire Station at intervals followed by the sightseers and they found Mr J Darch of Pembrey Road, who was employed by the company, supervising the efforts extinguish the fire.

By June 1912 Evan Rees had been appointed Captain of the Urban Council Fire Brigade and one of his first fires was at the new chemical works of Richard Thomas & Company New Dock. The Works’ hooters raised the alarm and as the factory did not have its own fire fighting team, they had to await the arrival of the Fire Brigade. Sightseers arrived from everywhere, with the trams from the Station being crowded. Local people did their best bringing hoses and buckets of water to try to put out the fire, without thinking of their own safety. Some fire fighters had their clothes burnt by acid and the Fire Brigade, unable to cope with the severity of the fire, concentrated on saving the adjoining cottages. The residents had already removed their furniture and possessions to a place of safety helped by the police, supervised by Inspector Nicholas. Because there was a plentiful supply of water the cottages were saved. However it was evident that the Fire Brigade could have done better with a more powerful fire engine.

1913 A Merryweather Hatfield Motor Pump was purchased.

On a Monday morning in March 1913 another serious fire broke out in the Llanelly Tinstamping and Enamelling Works and their own fire fighting team were summoned quickly by the Works’ hooters. Mr Darch was the first to arrive on the scene to supervise operations and found the fire raging in the coopers’ shop where a large consignment of imported timber was stacked. A strong wind from the sea fanned the flames making it difficult for the fire fighters to get close. They were also hampered by the dense smoke from the spruce logs and some men were overcome by the heat and the smoke. Because the mains water pressure was lowered on a Sunday fire fighting operations were hampered. After the works brigade had been battling for about an hour, the Borough Council firemen, under the supervision of Captain Evan Rees arrived on the scene. The two fire services working together soon gained control but smouldering timber continued to burst into flames during the day and was still burning at midnight.

Evan Rees made the first of his monthly reports in August 1913.

1920 When fire broke out in the factory and warehouses belonging to Pugh Brothers, Cabinet Makers and Undertakers in Princess Street, considerable indignation was felt amongst the crowd that a town the size and importance of Llanelli, did not have an efficient Fire Brigade.

The Borough Council Fire Brigade, under the command of Superintendent Samuel Jones, together with a number of police constables, and the assistance of the Boy Scouts, did their best but were hampered by the inadequacy of the fire extinguishing appliances.

It was considered that at least two firemen should be constantly in attendance at the Fire Station and that they should be properly equipped. It was alleged that the alarm had been raised an hour before the firemen arrived at the scene and suggested that if the response had been quicker the damage would have been considerably less. By the time the Brigade had arrived, all the roads leading to the scene of the fire were densely packed with people who unintentionally hampered the fire fighting work.

1924 Penyfai Mansion, formerly belonging to the Buckley family, and then owned by Joseph Holmes, managing director of the Welsh Metal and Tinstamping Company, was just outside the Borough Boundary. One Saturday during February, whilst Mr Holmes was visiting Egypt with Daniel William JP, a fire broke out at his recently renovated Mansion House. Mrs Holmes, who was said to be indisposed, Reggie Holmes, Mrs Tucker and the servants were in the Mansion at the time.

One of the maids was the first to realise there was something wrong when she went upstairs with another maid they saw smoke coming from one of the bedrooms. Reggie Holmes fetched the hose and fire appliance that was kept on the property and tried to put out the fire. As Penyfai was in the Rural District, Llanelly Rural District Council supplied the water. Unfortunately pressure was low which resulted in just a trickle of water – insufficient to control the fire.

Meanwhile a servant had run to Penyfai Lane to raise the alarm. Mr D Hopkins of the Borough Rate Collector’s Office and Mr Powell, Schoolmaster of Trostre Road, were the first to be notified. Both men rushed inside but were disorientated by the smoke and had to retreat. Realising the hopelessness of the situation both the town and Works brigades were alerted by telephone and hooter.

Reggie Holmes drove his motor car to the Tinstamping Works and quickly assembled the Works’ Fire Brigade with Mr Darch in command. At this time the fire had not taken complete control but scores of people alerted by the hooter had been attracted to the scene. It was some time before a ladder could be found that was long enough to reach the first floor. Eventually one was found in the stable, and after being placed against the bedroom window, buckets of water were handed up to people who were on the balcony. Within half an hour the Brigades under the command of Superintendent J E Jones and Mr Darch were attempting to put out the flames, which could be seen from the town. By 9.30 pm, two hours after the alarm had been raised, the beautiful Mansion House was completely gutted, only the charred and smouldering walls remaining standing. Some furniture that had been saved was stored in the stable and the coach house.

Concerns were raised that better provision had not been made at Penyfai in view of the fact that the Rural Authority did not have a Fire Brigade and the Town Brigade was under no obligation to attend fires outside their boundary, and were, therefore, not prepared for dealing with houses like Penyfai that were built on high ground.

1931 Funeral of James Harold Samuel (‘little Jimmy’). He was not killed fighting a fire but had a carbuncle on his neck and the doctor had to operate on a kitchen table to lance it. Apparently he died a few days later.

Obituary – The Late Mr ‘Jimmy’ Samuel, 1931

The funeral of the late Mr. James Harold Samuel (little Jimmy), of Hall Street, took place on Saturday last. He was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs W. H. Samuel, for many years a clerk in the employ of Messrs Rees and Edwards, and Col. W. Buckley Roderick, Solicitor.

The deceased was very highly esteemed and respected throughout the town and district. He had been in the service of the Corporation for many years as driver of the steam roller. Evidence of the “high respect” in which he was held was given at the funeral, which was largely attended and very impressive. The cortege was headed by the Town Band, and there were also present a strong contingent of the Police and Fire Brigade, under the command of Deputy Chief Constable J. E. Jones. The coffin was carried on the Fire Brigade Tender, covered with floral tributes. Former workmates and representatives of the General and Municipal Workers’ Union were amongst those of the general public who joined in the funeral procession. The Rev. J. C. Jones (All Saints) officiated.

The mourners were: Mr and Mrs W. H. Samuel, Mrs J. H. Samuel, Mr and Mrs Dan Jones, Mr W. J. Samuel, Mrs Davies, Mr and and Mrs Harry Hart, Mr and Mrs Hugh Samuel, Mr and Mrs Bert Taylor, Mr and Mrs James Taylor, Mr and Mrs Jack Richardson, Mr and Mrs Alford Jones, Mrs and Miss Dawney, Mrs William Tovey, Mrs B Thomas, Mrs Jos. Williams, Miss Irene Edwards, Mr James Harries, Mr Dicky Edwards, Mr Gwyn Davies, Mr Morris, ‘Elli,’ Rev J. C. Jones, Mr and Mrs J. Thomas, Mrs King, Mrs T. Thomas, Mr D. W Davies and Mr W. J. Davies.

Wreaths were sent by the following: Mam, Betty and Ken; Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers; Dan, Bessie and children; David Thomas Hart and family; John Jones, Prospect Place Nieces from Dafen Row; Nieces from Edgar Street; Dicky, Irene, Billy and James; Jim Norman; All at 59 Arfryn Avenue; Llanelly Fire Brigade; Council Employees; Neighbours from Forge Row; Friend Tommy Jones; Old Pal Johnny Mr and Mrs Humphreys and family; Mr and Mrs Ben Edwards and Beryl, Prince of Wales; Mrs Morris and family; Tilda and William; Nano, Maurice and family, Mr and Mrs Jones and family; Gertie and Tom; Jack, Winnie and Iris; Maggie Jones; Mr and Mrs Trevor Lott and family; Neighbours from ‘Union Square and Edgar Street; Lily and Harry; Bessie, Will and David; Dick, Vie and Walter: Little Margaret; Little Eileen; Alford, Willie and Rose Tovey; Dai and Annie and family; Gertie and Gwyn; Bill and Sophie; Little Ken; William John; Tilda. and family; Daughter Lil & Friend Kate; Astria Heather.

The family wish to thank all relatives friends and neighbours and all others for floral tributes and messages of sympathy shown in their bereavement.

The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs Tom Morgan and Son, Station Road.

1937 With the threat of war looming contingency plans were made and during 1937 the Borough of Llanelly Air Raids Precaution Act, was passed which contained details of the Emergency Fire Brigade Scheme for the Borough. The existing organisation had been organised on a voluntary basis, with no permanent firemen being employed and was controlled by a Police Superintendent and his staff which consisted of one Captain, two Lieutenants and 15 Firemen.

These brave fire fighters fought many fires with a fire engine capable of dealing with 390 gallons of water per minute, two extension ladders and 4,000 feet of 2½ inch diameter hose.

The Borough Brigade fought fires within the borough, and by agreement, they also served the Burry Port Urban District and the Llanelly Rural District areas.

The Town was said to have been “well served” with an adequate water supply with hydrants spaced approximately 60 yards apart. Supplementary water supplies, in case of emergency, were available for use in their immediate localities:

Cooling Pond at Messrs Richard Thomas’ Works

Cooling Pond at the Old Castle Tinplate Works

North Dock, Nevills Dock

Great Western Dock

The Rivers Lliedi and Pill running through Trinity Road, during certain wet periods of the year.

1938 When the Fire Brigade Act 1938 was passed there were between 1,400 and 1,500 small brigades organised by local authorities all over Britain.

1939 When a fire broke out in the joinery works belonging to Henry Thomas & Company of Pottery Street in July, the Swansea Brigade joined the town’s Fire Brigade. Two women, who immediately notified a policeman on duty in Vint’s Square, had raised the alarm, and the Brigade was on the scene very quickly. The town’s brigade under the command of Superintendent W Protheroe worked desperately but was unable to save the premises. The Gas Works were close by and there were real fears that the fire would spread with disastrous results. It took the Swansea Fire Brigade 25 minutes to arrive on the scene and whilst the Llanelli Fire Brigade were operating in Pottery Street, the Swansea Brigade were operating in Upper Robinson Street. The fire destroyed the Works and damaged adjoining properties.

The fire appliance from Swansea was manned at that time by ‘Police Firemen’ and one of the crew members was William T (Bill) Williams. Bill Williams later became the Deputy Chief of the Llanelly Rural District Fire Brigade at the Bryn Fire Station and later a ‘Company Officer’ in the National Fire Service. At the end of the war Bill was a Sub Officer at Llanelli Fire Station until he retired during the 1960s. He died in 1996.

The situation before 1939 was that the local Fire Brigade was known as the Llanelly Urban Fire Brigade based within the Borough of Llanelly, and occupied the one time Butter Market in Hall Street. The brigade only responded to fires within the borough and if their services were required outside the borough boundary this was only carried out by arrangement and on payment. To overcome this situation the Rural District Council built a fire station at the Bryn in 1941 which was opened on September 11th.

During this time Fire Brigades throughout the country were administered by local authorities and the standard of service, equipment and procedures, varied quite dramatically. War with Germany was just around the corner, the government of the day considered this to be a serious matter.

The complicated situation in Llanelli was that the fire hydrants attached to the water mains in the Borough of Llanelly were mainly of the ball valve type whose outlet was different to the newer screw down type fitted to the water mains in the Rural District. To further complicate matters the Rural District had two different types of outlet, unlike the hydrants within the Borough. The meant that all fire appliances carried standpipes and adapters to fit any of the outlets.

With the advent of the Second World War the Auxiliary Fire Service was formed and this was amalgamated with existing Fire Brigades by the then Home Secretary, Herbert Morrison and the National Fire Service was established. This meant that all the brigades throughout the country were nationalised and Llanelli Fire Brigades became Fire Stations within the National Fire Service (NFS). Nationalisation strengthened the country’s ability to deal with fires by standardising equipment, procedures and training.

1941 On 18 August 1941 local fire fighters became part of the National Fire Service and this situation lasted until 31 March 1948.

During the war years, extra manpower was recruited and women were also employed in the fire service. In the Llanelly Borough there was an influx of personnel who were housed in the Fire Station in Hall Street where both part-time and full-time members served. Firewomen manned the control room and the firemen could be mobilised anywhere.

During major incidents at Swansea, Cardiff and Pembroke Dock local firemen were called in to assist and many local firemen were also sent to Birmingham and Bristol during the ‘blitz’.

Bryn Fire Station was established in 1941 with small sub stations at Pembrey, by Aelybryn (now the Diplomat, Felinfoel), Tumble and Pontiets. During the hectic war years the Bryn Fire Station had two shifts – 48 hours on duty and 24 hours off. Staff had to be prepared to work full time and very often the fire crews would be called out to fight fires in Swansea. The hours of duty at Llanelli Fire Station were much the same and towards the end of the war the duties changed to 24 hours on duty and 24 hours off duty.

Because the fire service was nationalised personnel could be called to any part of the country if they were needed. Firemen from Wolverhampton and Birmingham came to Llanelli to help with the fire fighting.

Sylvia Williams (now Mrs Evans), living in Carmarthen, was one of the first women to be employed in the newly nationalised service and remembers working at the Bryn Fire Station as a young girl in 1941.

Most of the able-bodied men were serving in the forces and those who were left behind were expected to ‘work for the war effort’. The Bryn Fire Station, like many others across the country, had a motley crew who included the young, old, conscientious objectors, those who had failed a medical to enter the Services and any others who could ‘lend a hand’.

Members of the fire service had to be prepared to turn their hand to anything, even the clerical staff had to be prepared to turn out if there were insufficient fire personnel. If the cook was not at work it was all hands on deck to do the cooking, washing up and general domestic chores. It was wartime and everyone was expected to ‘do their bit’ come what may.

Many Germans and Italians were imprisoned during the war but it seems that it was mainly the younger male members of the Italian families that suffered this fate.

There were many heroes during the War years and one from the Bryn Fire Station was Bill Williams, who was a Company Officer. Bill had been involved as a ‘Police Fireman’ in July 1939 when a fire had broken out in the joinery works belonging to Henry Thomas & Company of Pottery Street. He was involved in fire fighting when he and his men were called to Swansea during the blitz and fought the fire from the top of a turntable ladder, refusing to come down until the flames were under control.

1945 By the end of the Second World War, Britain had one of the best trained fire brigades in the world. The National Fire Service was second to none and members of this fire brigade were seconded by the Home Office to organise the German Fire Service. D Gerald Jones (later Chief Officer Carms & Cards Joint Fire Brigade) was one of the firemen seconded by the Home Office to organise a new German Fire Brigade.

1947 The introduction of the ‘Fire Services Act 1947’. This denationalised the NFS and handed control of its functions to the local authorities.

1948 The Carmarthenshire and Cardigan Joint Fire Brigade was formed on 1 April 1948 and D Gerald Jones was appointed Chief Officer. Llanelli Fire Station was part of the Brigade and Station Officer S J Barratt was appointed Officer in Charge.

The Hall Street premises that had housed the town fire station for so long were transferred to the County Council by Act of Parliament:

"The Mayor, Aldermen & Burgesses of the Borough of Llanelly as Fire Authority for the purpose of the Fire Brigade Act 1939 and Fire Services Act 1947 and The Fire Services (Transfer of Property) Regulations 1948 (Statutory Instrument 1948 No 465)

"Hall Street was transferred to the Council of the Administrative County of Carmarthen being the Fire Authority for the area in which the said land is situate. The Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Llanelly of the Town Hall as Beneficial Owners transferred the Hall Street premises to the Council of the Administrative County of Carmarthen, County Hall, Carmarthen."

By 1948 Germany also had one of the best trained Fire Brigades in the World – thanks to firemen such as D Gerald Jones who returned to Britain as a Chief Officer. The National Fire Service was disbanded in 1948 and he was given the post of Chief Officer in the newly established Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire Joint Fire Brigade.

Before the establishment of the National Fire Service there was no nationally recognised training schemes for firemen but all this changed during the war years and fire personnel were specially trained and encouraged to take examinations. Those who were successful in passing these examinations were able to take up specific posts when the Fire Brigades were transferred to local authorities after the war in 1948.

Firemen who had served loyally but did not pass examinations, were appointed Company Officers.

Officers in Charge of Llanelli Fire Station from 1948

1. Station Officer Barratt

2. Station Officer R. Jamieson (Ex-London Fire Brigade)

3. Station Officer O. B. Coggins (Ex-Cardiff City Fire Brigade)

4. Station Officer Gwynne Davies 1969-1971

5. Station Officer O. C. Jones 1971-1973

6. Station Officer Elwyn Cross 1973-1978

7. Station Officer P. Howells 1978-2002

8. Station Officer T. Evans 1978-2002

9 Station Officer C. Smith 1978-2002

10. Station Officer J. Williams 1978-2002

11. Station Officer W. Warren 1978-2002

12. Station Officer R. Mathews 1978-2002

13. Station Officer Clive Pugh 1978-2002

1951 Elwyn Cross joined the Llanelli Fire Brigade in 1951 as a Fireman. From 1971 to 1978 he was Station Officer of the new Fire Station at Corporation Avenue and he retired as Divisional Officer in 1982 at Brigade Headquarters Carmarthen.

1953 Another serious fire broke out in the warehouse premises belonging to Pugh Brothers, six horses from a nearby building were rescued and the Sandy McPherson recital, due to be held at Moriah Chapel had to be held at Greenfield Chapel, because the fire caused the electricity supply to fail. Cyril S. Rogers, of Llangunnor, former Senior Fire Prevention Officer and Divisional Commander in the Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire and Dyfed County Fire Brigades (now retired) remembers vividly that after the fire he realised that he had been standing on an underground petrol storage tank whilst trying to fight the fire. Mr Rogers said it was not unusual for business premises to have their own underground fuel storage tanks inside building premises.

1965 Llanelli fire fighters were not only expected to put out fires they were also called to incidents where there may be a fire hazard, such as road accidents. They would ensure that petrol or oil spillages were made safe and they had the cutting equipment to release trapped drivers or passengers. In

In 1965, outside the former offices of the Bynea Steel Company (occupied by Birds Limited), two lorries collided. The vehicles with their cabins locked together were wedged into a hedge bank and their loads were scattered over the main Swansea to Llanelli road at Bynea Flats. Llanelli firemen with Station Officer G. Davies in charge, and the police undertook rescue operations They were joined by W. E. Cox who drove to the scene with a mobile workshop from the neighbouring headquarters of Thyssen. A nurse, Mrs M. E. Jenkins from the nearby Bowden factory assisted Dr Roland Hughes of Llwynhendy who administered pain-killing injections.

1968 In May, Llanelli’s new £100,000 Fire Station in Corporation Avenue was under construction and plans to move the Station from Hall Street were due to be completed by the end of August. The staff at the new Station would remain the same as before – 29 full-time and 7 part-time. A spokesman said that they would keep their equipment, as it was only the Hall Street premises that were dated.

On Saturday November 2 1968 the Llanelli Star carried a full report by Paul Scudamore of the ‘Push-button service for the 999 fire calls’ when Llanelli fireman moved into their new ultra-modern station in Corporation Avenue on Thursday 24 October 1968. The new fire station was described as ‘A far cry from the old station where every time there was a telephone call for a member of staff someone yelled across the yard.

Station Officer O. Coggins (who had been stationed at Llanelli since 1954, apart from one or two years when he served at other area stations), described the difficulties faced during the previous few years because of traffic congestion around the Hall Street and Vauxhall block. Despite the all the handicaps the Hall Street firemen always operated an efficient service. They had looked forward to moving to their new station with its improved access to the town’s road system. The new station also provided vastly improved training facilities and administrative accommodation.

One of the most interesting features of the new station was the training house, which was developed from an idea and design by D. Gerald Jones, the Chief Fire Officer of the Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire Joint Fire Brigade. From a special gas furnace outside the building, intense heat and smoke could be built up inside. Partitions could be erected and varied inside the house to train firemen to be able to find their way around in unfamiliar smoke-filled buildings whilst wearing breathing apparatus.

Rising high above the yard was a 50 ft five storey drill tower, which could be used for rescue and ladder training. Described as a solid concrete structure, with a siren at the top, it was far superior to the one in Hall Street, which was only a scaffolding tower.

1969 Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire Joint Fire Brigade Committee, responsible for the Llanelli Fire Station, celebrated the Official Opening of the new Station at Llanerch at 2.15 pm on 16 May 1969. The Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Right Honourable James Callaghan, MP, performed the Official Opening presided by Alderman D. G. J. Jones, Chairman of the Joint Fire Brigade.

Joint Fire Brigade Committee - Carmarthenshire

Alderman D. G. J. Jones (Chairman)

Alderman Emrys Aubrey

Alderman W. J. Davies

Alderman J. D. Phelps

Councillor A. C. Francis (Vice-Chairman)

Councillor Brinley Owen

Councillor D. D. Harries

Councillor D. J. Richards

Councillor James James

Councillor C. H. Robertson

Councillor Haydn Lewis

Councillor D. C. Thomas

Councillor D. L. W. Morris

Joint Fire Brigade Committee - Cardiganshire

Alderman R. J. Ellis

Alderman M. E. Griffiths

Rev. T. Tegryn Davies

Councillor J. O. Morgan

Councillor J. D. Herbert

District Representatives

Alderman D. Hamilton Evans

Alderman H. J. Owens

Councillor M. Evans

Councillor Captain D. L.Williams

Councillor D. E. Pugh

Councillor E. A. Milton

Councillor D. P. Griffiths

Councillor J. J. Davies

Councillor Captain J. I. Lewis

New Fire Station premises situated on the bank of the River Lliedi, were built im 1969 to the design of R. A. Furlong, ARIBA, to the requirements of the County Architect, J. G. Dunton, ARIBA, AMTPI, and the Chief Officer, D. Gerald Jones, BSc, MIFIRE, E, incorporating items submitted to him, at his request, from the Station personnel.

Construction of the new premises was carried out by Bennett of Swansea at a cost of £79,000. The Fire Station comprised a four-bay appliance room, watch room, muster bay, administrative offices, recreation/mess room, kitchen, quiet room, dormitory and store room. Outbuildings included the station yard, which had a 50-foot high drill and hose drying tower, hydrants, underground water tank and hose washing area. There was also a two-storey fire training house which provided unique training facilities under controlled heat and smoke conditions.

Assistant Divisional Officer O. B. Coggins, who previously served as Station Officer in Charge of Llanelli Fire Station, died on 7 November 1969 and is buried in Holy Trinity Church at Felinfoel.

1973 Over the years Llanelli and the surrounding districts had witnessed many fires, some serious and some not so serious. The South Wales Evening Post carried a report on Wednesday 9 May 1973 when Llanelli Girls’ Grammar School was destroyed by fire in the early hours of the morning. A youth was questioned by police following the arson attack which caused at least ½ million pounds’ worth of damage. The fire was described as ‘Llanelli’s worst blaze for many years’ and several firemen were injured.

Leading Fireman T. Brian Jones had injuries to both arms and a leg. Firemen Eric Barnes of Drefach was struck by a falling slate; Teifion Williams of Tumble suffered leg injuries; Ray Evans of Mansel Street, Llanelli, had cuts to his hands; David May of Andrew Street, Llanelli, fell from his ladder and injured his arms and a leg, and Mal Griffiths of Maesyrhaf sustained eye injuries.

Other firemen had narrow escapes as large sections of the roof caved in during the largest fire the town had experienced for many years.

Firemen from Llanelli, Kidwelly and Tumble were called out. When the pupils arrived for school smoke was still rising from the gutted buildings, and firemen were trying to salvage what they could. In the laboratory area glass pots were still exploding at 9 am and the fire was being fed by the gas supply. The firemen could only stand and wait until Wales Gas employees arrived to turn off the gas main. During the height of the fire, flames leapt into the night sky as the school roof collapsed.

Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire Fire Brigade Fire Officer, D. Gerald Jones and his deputy Ieuan Evans tried to discover the cause of the blaze. Station Officer Victor Honor surveyed the scene of utter devastation and the skeletal frameworks of the chairs which were all that remained of the school’s assembly hall. Firemen continued damping down for more than twelve hours to ensure that there was no risk of secondary flare fire. Following the event there was a massive ‘mop-up operation’ after tons of water flowed into the lower levels of the school during the fire fighting. Classrooms on the left the main corridor were saved but the assembly hall to the right was completely gutted.

The Llanelli Star carried a lengthy report on the fire in its edition of Saturday 12 May 1973.

Mr Ieuan Evans, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer who supervised the fire fighting, said: “When we arrived the fire was already through the roof on the east wing. There was a high wind and the fire travelled quickly through the roof void (which was lined with felting), to an adjoining wing. Sections of the roof and ceiling on the first floor collapsed almost immediately.”

1974 Following the reorganisation of local government on 1 April 1974 Dyfed County Fire Brigade replaced the former Carmarthenshire & Cardiganshire Joint Fire Brigade.

1977 Harry Shayle from the Home Office joined the Dyfed County Fire Brigade.

1979 Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ieuan Evans retired and was replaced by Harry Shayle.

1995 Advice was received from the Home Office setting out the decision of the Home Secretary in relation to the proposals for combined Fire Authorities in Wales. The Home Secretary intended to place orders before Parliament providing for a Combined Fire Authority for Mid & West Wales, based on the new Unitary Authorities of Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire, Neath & Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Swansea. Agreement had been reached on the composition of the Fire Authority based on a membership of 23.

1996 From 1 April 1996 the structure of the Welsh Fire Brigades changed from eight Brigades to three: Mid & West Wales (Dyfed, Powys & West Glamorgan); North Wales (Clwyd & Gwynedd); and South Wales (Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan & Gwent). Llanelli became part of the Mid & West Wales Fire Brigade which covered 4,500 square miles making up almost two-thirds of the landmass of the Welsh Principality. Within their command were a variety of risks ranging from the petro-chemical industries at Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Briton Ferry and Neath to the densely populated areas such as Llanelli, Swansea and Port Talbot.

Other risks involved an extensive farming community and light industries throughout the area.

2002 On 19 September the Llanelli Star reported that Ronnie King was being replaced by Douglas Mackay as Chief Officer of the Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade in November.

Douglas Mackay, aged 49, Deputy Chief of Operations in Carmarthen, was born in Scotland and raised in the Midlands. He joined the Fire Brigade in 1976 after considering a number of different job prospects. He left Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham, with a law degree and has worked as a labourer for a building contractor and been employed by Solihull Council.

In 1973 he worked as a freelance journalist.

The first Station he worked at was Acocks Green, where he spent six years fire fighting throughout the Birmingham area. He graduated through the ranks to become Station Officer within eight years. A short term move to Hereford followed. As Deputy Officer in 1987 he worked alongside the Chief Officer of Midlands Brigade. Following the Lockerbie terrorist tragedy of 21 December 1988 he worked as part of a peacetime disaster emergency team.

He is married to Ruth from Gorseinon and has three adult children, Rachael, Ben and James. He is a keen rugby fan supporting both Swansea and Llanelli RFC and is a baritone singer with the Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir.

For more detailed information visit the Mid & West Wales Fire Brigade Authority Website http://www.mawwfire.gov.uk

Acknowledgements

The Fire Service - Sincere thanks for their assistance, guidance, information and encouragement is extended to:

Elwyn Cross - (who joined the fire service in 1951 and retired as Divisional Officer in 1982)

Ieuan Evans - Deputy Chief Officer of the Carmarthenshire & Cardiganshire Fire Brigade

Mrs Evans - who served at the Bryn Fire Station

Arwel Fowler- Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Mid & West Wales Fire Brigade

Clive Pugh - Station Commander, Llanelli Fire Brigade, Llanerch

Cyril S. Rogers - Former Senior Fire Prevention Officer and Divisional Commander of Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire & Dyfed County Fire Brigade.