Asda fire, man arrested

Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed that they have arrested an 18 year old local youth in connection with a fire which started in the Asda store Llanelli at 8.15pm last night (Wednesday 22nd February 2012).

He is currently in police custody and due to be questioned and inquiries into the incident are continuing.

They ask that anyone with information on the incident to contact Llanelli police on 101.

There’s no further information on how or why the fire was started but a spokeswoman for Asda has thanked Mid and West Wales Fire Service for their “speedy response” and said:

“There is some smoke and water damage we need to clean up and we’re sorry to our customers for any inconvenience caused,” she said.

“Our colleagues did a great job of evacuating customers as soon as the alarm was raised last night, and thankfully no-one was hurt.”

The store is expected to reopen tomorrow (Friday 24th February 2012) morning.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Statement said:

Fire crews and appliances from Llanelli, Gorseinon, Pontardulais, Swansea West, Tumble and Pontyates were called to a fire at the Asda supermarket, Llanelli last night at 8.17 pm

Two sprinkler heads directly above the fire activated and raised the alarm whilst keeping the fire under control allowing 25 staff to safely evacuate around 60 customers from the store. There is no structural damage to the store but the store is expected to remain closed whilst specialist assessors from the company assess the smoke damage to the stock. The neighboring St Elli shopping center remains unaffected by the fire.

A joint investigation in to the cause of the fire between Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service and Dyfed Powys Police is continuing.