Hotel fire latest

7:06pm Sunday 23rd March 2008

Firefighters are still at the scene of what has been described as one of the biggest fires in Pembrokeshire for many years.

Operations have now been scaled down at the Royal Gatehouse Hotel, Tenby, but several fire engines and special appliances continue to deal with the ongoing incident.

The blaze broke out at the disused hotel at about 11pm on Saturday night, and over 100 firefighters were called to the scene from all over Mid and West Wales.

A section of the building collapsed as the fire ripped through the five storeys, and the blaze took several hours to get under control.

Divisional fire commander Nick Webley paid tribute to his men.

He said: "They have carried out some fantastic work in very difficult conditions."

Police had to draft in extra officers to deal with the large crowds of people who gathered to watch the fire.

Inspector Alan Millichip confirmed that it was too early to speculate on the cause of the blaze.

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