A large fire in Port Talbot has caused major disruption after thick black smoke rose above the town and spread across nearby communities on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident broke out on Dock Road, where emergency crews were called shortly after 3.30pm. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire involved around 200 tonnes of commercial waste, with crews from Port Talbot, Neath, Morriston, Ammanford, Tumble, Carmarthen, Pontarddulais and Glynneath sent to the scene.
Support was also provided by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service as firefighters worked to control the blaze. Large plumes of smoke were seen rising over homes and industrial areas, with reports suggesting the smoke could be seen from parts of Swansea and Mumbles.
Residents living nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed because of the heavy smoke. Officials also urged people to avoid the area so emergency vehicles could reach the scene without delay.
The fire led to the closure of the A4241 Dock Road in both directions, from the Industrial Park turn-off to North Bank Road. Traffic built up quickly around Port Talbot, with congestion reported on surrounding routes including areas near Fairfield.
Smoke also affected traffic on the M4 between Junction 40 and Junction 41, where drivers were warned to take extra care as visibility was reduced in places.
Police said they had received multiple reports of a significant blaze in the Dock Road area. Members of the public were asked to call 999 only if there was an immediate risk to life or property, allowing emergency control rooms to focus on the ongoing response.
Pictures and videos from the scene showed dark smoke towering above residential streets, creating concern among people living close to the site. Some witnesses reported a strong smell in the air as the smoke drifted across the town and wider bay area.
There have been no confirmed reports of injuries at the time of writing. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed and is expected to be assessed once crews have made the area safe.
Fires involving large volumes of commercial waste can be difficult to tackle because the material may burn unevenly and produce dense smoke. The Environment Agency advises that businesses handling waste must have proper fire prevention measures in place to reduce risks at storage and treatment sites.
The incident has once again highlighted how quickly an industrial fire can affect a wider community, from public health warnings to road closures and traffic delays. Port Talbot, known for its industrial landscape, has seen emergency services respond at scale to protect nearby residents and prevent the fire from spreading further.
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Residents are being advised to continue following official updates, avoid Dock Road where possible and keep windows and doors shut if smoke remains in the area.
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