**Fire Crews Forced to Return After Pembroke Farmhouse Blaze Reignites**
Firefighters faced a challenging ordeal in Pembroke last week after a blaze that initially seemed to have been extinguished flared up once again just hours later, prompting a renewed emergency response. The incident, which took place at an unused farmhouse in the Monkton area, highlights the unpredictable nature of fires and the persistence required from fire and rescue teams.
The initial emergency call came through at 11.43pm on Friday, 30 May, bringing together crews from three different stations: Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, and Tenby. The affected building, a vacant two-storey farmhouse measuring approximately 10 by 10 metres, was already well alight by the time teams arrived on scene.
Firefighters quickly set to work, deploying a range of specialist equipment to bring the flames under control. Four hose reel jets and two main jets were needed to tackle the heart of the fire, while three thermal imaging cameras were used to help locate and monitor residual hot spots within the structure. Access was made possible by a triple-extension ladder, and crews utilised a suite of small tools alongside scene lighting to maintain safety during the overnight operation.
Despite the intensity of the fire, crews managed to contain and extinguish it after over three and a half hours of sustained effort. By 3.20am on Saturday, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service deemed the scene safe enough to leave, believing the immediate threat had passed. At this stage, the situation appeared to be under control, and the emergency responders returned to their stations.
However, just a few hours later, the situation took an unexpected turn. At 7.34am, a new call-out was received, reporting that the farmhouse fire had reignited. This prompted the return of crews from Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven, who found themselves once again battling flames at the same site.
The second operation required a renewed approach to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and the risk of recurrence minimised. Firefighters dampened down the entirety of the property, utilising a water shuttle system to maintain a steady supply. They deployed one hose reel jet, and two breathing apparatus sets were used to enable firefighters to work safely in potentially hazardous conditions. Again, thermal imaging cameras were vital in checking for lingering hot spots, with crews taking extra precautions to reduce the likelihood of another flare-up.
The aftermath of the fire presented its own challenges. The teams remained on site for nearly five hours during the second response, using all available resources to ensure the building was safe before leaving at 12.35pm on Saturday. In total, fire crews spent more than eight and a half hours at the Monkton property across the two separate emergencies.
This incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers associated with vacant buildings and the difficulty in bringing some fires fully under control. According to fire services, old or unused properties such as this farmhouse often present unique challenges due to their structure, condition, and the possible presence of concealed materials that may continue to smoulder after the initial blaze appears to have been quelled.
Authorities have not reported any injuries related to the incident, and an investigation is continuing into the exact circumstances that led to both the original fire and its subsequent re-ignition. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has praised the professionalism and perseverance of the crews involved.
While the farmhouse was not in use at the time, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance in fire safety, especially in areas where properties might be left unattended. Local residents are reminded of the critical role that emergency services play in keeping communities safe, often at considerable personal risk and inconvenience.
The enduring response from fire teams in Pembroke is yet another example of their dedication, acting swiftly not just to extinguish the flames but to thoroughly safeguard the public from further danger.