One of South Pembrokeshire's most well-known public houses has been gutted by fire.

A total of four fire crews fought the blaze which ripped through Wiseman's Bridge Inn during the early hours of Christmas Eve.

Fire tenders from Tenby, Narberth and Pembroke Dock together with the support of other fire brigade appliances rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised at approximately 4.20 am on December 24.

With the 100-year-old pub well alight on arrival, firefighters found their job tackling the burning building hampered by strong winds, which had resulted in the fire taking hold quickly.

"At the height of the fire there were 25 firefighters on scene," Station Officer Price, the officer in charge told the Observer this week.

"Part of the roof had collapsed and there was also a lot of internal collapse which made the job difficult and it took some time to contain the fire before firefighters with breathing apparatus sets could enter the building," he said.

Fortunately, people staying in the adjoining holiday apartments were evacuated safely with minimum smoke damage being caused to their belongings.

Among those staying in the flats was Ms Mary Palmer and her family from Maidenhead, Berkshire, who were visiting Wiseman's Bridge for Christmas.

"It was certainly a Christmas Eve never to forget," she said.

"We have seen things like this on television, but you never think it is going to happen to you. Fortunately nobody was hurt and we were able to return to the flat later in the day to pick up our clothes, before finding alternative accommodation. Everybody was really kind which made things a lot better," she added.

In total, firefighters used five water pumps and eight breathing apparatus sets to put out the flames and the fire was eventually brought under control at approximately 11.15 am with crews leaving the scene shortly before 1.30 pm.

Around 50 per cent of the building was severely damaged by the fire and building collapse, while a further 20 per cent suffered water damage as a result of fighting the fire.

"The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the most likely cause is accidental," said Station Officer Price, who also pointed out that the emergency services were alerted when the burglar alarm was activated by the fire.

"The fire was able to take hold and extensive damage was experienced because the building was not equipped with fire detecting equipment," explained the officer.

"Had the building contained a fire alarm system with smoke detectors, the fire would have been discovered much earlier and the damage would have been far less serious," he continued.

"The fire brigade would like to remind people who have fire alarm systems to make sure they are functioning and maintained and ask all home-owners to ensure their smoke alarms are fitted with batteries and working properly," he added.

A huge Thank You

Sir,

We were staying at Wiseman's Bridge on Christmas Eve when the fire occurred and were overwhelmed by the hospitality of all involved. A huge Thank You to everybody who helped us out especially the local couple who didn't know us, but invited us in for tea or coffee (at 6 am!), the butchers at Saundersfoot for the bacon rolls and coffee, the couple who helped us locate FBM Holidays as well as FBM Holidays themselves for their speedy assistance in finding a party of six and two dogs accommodation at a very difficult time. Also, a huge thank you to the gentleman who let us stay in his cottage, particularly as we had dogs with us and the cottage does not usually accommodate dogs. Lastly, but by no means least, the firemen who not only attended the fire but aided us in the aftermath of the event, retrieving what belongings we could from our apartment.

Also, we wish Jane, Helen and family all the best towards getting Wiseman's Bridge up and running again.

A happy New Year to you all!

Ms. Mary Palmer

105, Ellington Park

Maidenhead

Berkshire

SL6 7LJ