**Cardiff Industrial Fire Prompts Emergency Response and Public Safety Warning**
A significant fire broke out late on Friday at an industrial site in Cardiff, prompting emergency services to quickly cordon off a major road and issue urgent health warnings to nearby residents. The incident occurred at the Sims Metal Plant, located near the intersection of Rover Way and the former Celsa steelworks site in Splott, an area synonymous with heavy industry on the eastern edge of the Welsh capital.
The alarm was raised at approximately 9:30pm, with South Wales Police and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responding to reports of visible flames and smoke billowing from the site. Local authorities were quick to take precautionary measures, closing Rover Way in both directions. The closure extended from the Ocean Way Roundabout through to Tesco Pengam Green, one of the principal routes through this section of Cardiff.
Residents in neighbouring areas were promptly advised to keep their windows and doors securely closed, as emergency services battled the blaze. A spokesperson for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service echoed this guidance, stating: “Fire crews are in attendance at a large fire in the Splott area of Cardiff. Local residents are advised to close their doors and windows. Please avoid the area if possible.” Members of the public were also urged to steer clear of the scene to enable fire crews and police to operate safely and efficiently.
Images shared by onlookers captured a dramatic scene, with flames lighting up the night sky and thick smoke drifting over the city. Witnesses described an intense response from multiple fire engine crews and police vehicles, underscoring the serious nature of the incident. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, there is, at the time of writing, no indication of injuries or casualties.
The operation to extinguish the fire required the closure of a key transport link, causing disruption to traffic in the area. South Wales Police, in a statement released late on Friday night, expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and cooperation: “We’re at the scene of an incident on Rover Way, Splott, Cardiff. The road is currently closed in both directions from Ocean Way Roundabout to Tesco Pengam Green. It is expected to remain closed for some time; please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible.”
Authorities remained on the scene into the early hours of Saturday morning, monitoring the situation and ensuring the area was safe. The fire service reported that a ‘stop’ message—signifying the conclusion of their active firefighting operations—was received just after half past midnight. By sunrise, the road closures had been lifted, and the immediate risk to public health had passed.
Saturday morning saw the aftermath of the blaze, with fire crews conducting checks and investigators beginning work to determine its origin. Early reports confirmed the incident was confined to the Sims Metal facility, just adjacent to previous industrial sites. No evacuation of local homes was required, though the public safety warning remained in effect until the area was declared secure.
Events of this nature highlight the ongoing risks associated with industrial operations in urban settings. The coordinated response between fire, police and local authorities served to minimise disruption and prevent injuries. Cardiff Council and other relevant agencies are expected to review the incident in the coming days to assess any environmental impact and consider measures to strengthen future emergency procedures.
This fire stands as a reminder of the fragile interface between industrial infrastructure and residential communities within modern cities. As the investigation into the cause progresses, updates are anticipated from both law enforcement and the fire service. In the meantime, local residents have been praised for their swift adherence to advice, which helped avoid further complications during what could have become a much more serious event.