Fire in the rooftops (From Penarth Times)

Fire in the rooftops

A ROOFTOP blaze brought Penarth's traffic to a standstill on Tuesday afternoon, as town firefighters battled to stop it spreading.

Stanwell Road's junction with Plymouth and Hickman roads was closed off, as the Hazel Road-based crew tackled the flames at 10 Stanwell Road, next to NatWest. Fortunately there were no people inside.

Ironically, in National Smoke Alarm Week, an alarm had been fitted but failed to operate due to being positioned incorrectly.

The fire was just doors away from the home of Cardiff South and Penarth MP Alun Michael. According to officers at the scene, it may well have spread there had it not been for the firefighters.

Two crews from Penarth and Cardiff Central stations prevented it spreading using two ladders and a hydraulic platform.

Fire incident officer Bernard Sestanovsich, station officer at Cardiff Central, said: "It was caused during renovation work, and resulted in damage to the third floor attic room. This is a very old property where the timber is very dry. The flames could have easily spread to other buildings. It was a good stop by the lads from Penarth."

Jeff Leach, sub officer at Penarth, said: "The alarm did not operate as it was in the wrong position. If there had been any persons in the building, it could have been a lot more serious. I appeal to residents to ensure alarms are fitted on house ceilings at landing and hall levels."