**Cardiff Bay Residents Urged to Stay Indoors After Large Fire Erupts at Local Recycling Facility**
Residents in Cardiff Bay were advised to remain indoors and keep their windows securely shut on Thursday night, following a significant fire that broke out at a recycling centre near the city’s docks. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, along with South Wales Police, rushed to the scene at Roath Dock Road just before 11pm on the evening of 29 May.
The incident caused great concern across the area, as towering flames and thick plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the night sky. Eyewitness videos captured dramatic scenes near the Viridor Trident Park, with dark grey smoke visibly rolling across Cardiff Bay. Multiple emergency vehicles clustered at the site as fire crews attempted to bring the situation under control.
Firefighters worked into the early hours of Friday morning, finally departing the scene at approximately 3:45am after battling the blaze for over four hours. Though the fire was eventually subdued, authorities maintained a visible presence in the area to ensure public safety and to monitor for any potential flare-ups.
The South Wales Police issued a strong warning to those living and working nearby, underlining the health risks associated with inhaling the smoke from the fire. “Heavy smoke is blowing in the direction of the Cardiff Bay area,” a representative stated. “Please keep your doors and windows closed, and if travelling on the A4232, please take extra caution due to potential limited visibility caused by the smoke.”
Motorists in particular faced challenges during the night as the smoke drifted across major roadways. The A4232, a main route near the docks, was especially affected by reduced visibility. Drivers were encouraged to take additional care and, if possible, to avoid the area until the situation was fully resolved.
At this stage, the precise cause of the fire has yet to be disclosed. Officials confirmed it began at a local recycling centre but have not released further details regarding what may have sparked the blaze. Both South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police have been approached for up-to-date information on the incident and any potential investigation.
Local residents expressed concern not only over the fire itself but also about possible environmental and health implications. Smoke containing unknown substances from recycling centres can pose a significant risk, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Communities in the vicinity of the docks are being reminded to remain vigilant and to follow any further safety advice issued by emergency services. Updates are expected as more information becomes available regarding the full extent of the incident and any ongoing risks.
This fire has highlighted the essential work done by emergency services in safeguarding local populations, as well as the importance of compliance with public safety warnings in the face of environmental hazards. As investigations continue, attention will inevitably turn to preventative measures and the protocols in place at recycling facilities to minimise future incidents.
South Wales authorities will be providing further statements as their inquiries progress, and the public is encouraged to keep monitoring official channels for the latest developments. For now, the priority remains the health and wellbeing of the Cardiff Bay community as clean-up and assessment operations continue.