MULTIPLE fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a residential tower block in Newport late on Thursday evening.

It’s understood that a fire began at the bottom of the bin chute in the Greenwood tower block in the St Julians area of the city – although it has not been confirmed what caused the fire.

Residents first reported smoke travelling up the chute at around 10.30pm on Thursday evening.

The fire was put out by sprinklers in the building shortly before fire crews arrived on the scene.

South Wales Argus: Fire crews were on the scene for around two hours tackling a fire at the Greenwood tower block. (Picture: Robert Jones)Fire crews were on the scene for around two hours tackling a fire at the Greenwood tower block. (Picture: Robert Jones)

Lindsey Hayes, who lives in the tower block, said they’d had problems with youths breaking into the building.

“We’ve had a lot of false alarms recently because youngsters have been forcing entry into the building and setting off alarms.

“It was about 10.30pm yesterday when it went off again, so I went out to check and I could smell smoke.

“We don’t have any idea how it started yet, but there was a lot of smoke which travelled up the bin chute right up to the top of the building.

“A few residents left their flats and came downstairs but most were told to stay inside.”

A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue service said: “At approximately 10.43pm on Thursday, January 27, we received reports of a fire in St Julians, Newport.

“Multiple crews attended the scene and used specialist equipment to extinguish the fire.

“The incident concluded at approximately 12.43am.”

Sonia Furzland, Executive Director of Operations at Newport City Homes said: “Our sprinkler system did its job and put the fire out before it could spread.

“Our colleagues who were on site last night, will continue to support South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to investigate the cause of the fire and reduce the risk of this happening again.

“Working on the advice of our partners at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, we installed sprinklers in flats and communal areas in our high rise buildings across the city, including Greenwood. 

"We also undertook additional safety measures to ensure our work there far exceeded the standard required to demonstrate a building is safe.

“We would like to thank the residents of Greenwood for their ongoing support to improve fire safety in their homes.”