The people of St Dogmaels are beginning to speak of their devastation after the tragic deaths of two members of the community in a house fire in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police and fire crews were called to a home in the Pembrokeshire village at around 1.30am and it's understood firefighters fought the blaze for several hours.
As of 3.20pm, investigators remain at the scene of the incident, working to establish the cause of the blaze. Whilst the people who died have not been named publicly, people have been sharing messages of condolences on social media and beautiful bouquets of flowers have begun to be placed near the scene of the incident.
Earlier, officers confirmed residents in several houses in the village had been evacuated after a fire at a property, but little detail was shared of the extent of the blaze. Sadly, it was later confirmed that two people had died in the incident. It's not believed anyone else, aside from the two who sadly perished, were in the property-in-question at the time.
Recap: Two people die in house fire in St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire
An initial statement from Dyfed-Powys Police said "Officers were called to a house fire in St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, at around 1.30am. A number of neighbouring properties have been evacuated for residents’ safety, and emergency services remain at the scene."
A later statement added: "Emergency services were called to a report of a house fire in St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, during the early hours of this morning. The damage to the property was extensive, and sadly, we can confirm two people died at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this tragic time.
"It is not believed anyone else was at the property, however examinations are ongoing. An investigation is underway to find out the cause of the fire, with Mid and West Wales Fire and rescue Service investigators and Dyfed-Powys Police crime scene investigators likely to be at the house for several more hours.
"A number of neighbouring properties were evacuated during the incident. Those living closest to the affected house will remain displaced until fire officers are certain it is safe for them to return. We would like to thank members of the community and local businesses for the support they have offered throughout the incident."
'St Dogmaels is heartbroken but will rally together'
In a post on the St Dogmaels/Llandudoch community group on social media, locals said: "The village of St Dogmaels extends its condolences to family and friends and our thoughts are with all those affected, both neighbours and the emergency services."
A post from a member of the community added: "As a community we are heartbroken. But will rally to help those who need it."
The Reverend Elizabeth Rowe, of St Thomas Church, told BBC News that the St Dogmaels community is in "deep shock" at the tragedy and said the church will be open all day to offer support.
Local councillor Mike James added that the community has "united" to provide support to neighbours under very sad circumstances. He said about 11 people at Church Lane had been evacuated and said accommodation had been provided in the nearby White Hart.
Cllr James praised staff there for offering drinks, blankets and keeping residents warm around the log fire.
"The village came together," he said. "They wanted to support as much as they could."
Staff at nearby hotel, Teifi Waterside Hotel, have also confirmed they're able to offering free accommodation to anyone who has been displaced by the fire.
Staff paid their condolences on social media and said: "Due to a tragic house fire early hours of this morning in St Dogmaels, we have been informed that the road between The White Hart and the Premier Shop, will be closed for most of the day.
"For those customers who have booked with us you can still get to us by turning up past BV Rees & going around the Cwymins or going further up the Fishguard Road and coming through Moylegrove roads around Poppit.
"If there is anybody who has been displaced by this tragic fire and needs somewhere to stay, we can offer accommodation, of course at no charge, and can help in this respect.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to the friends family and those in the community that have been affected."
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