Pupils evacuated after fire at Wrexham primary school

Firefighters were this afternoon called to a fire at Park Community Primary School in Llay.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service say three crews were sent to the school at 3:12pm, with the fire starting at the back area of the kitchen.

The school was evacuated, with parents and children gathering on the school field. There has also been a lot of praise for staff at the school for their handling of the situation and how quickly they evacuated the site.

We are unofficially told by one person at the scene, that: “Kids all out safe, the teachers did a fantastic job”.

Just come from @ParkCPLlay school. I am very proud of the staff for how they dealt with a difficult situation. @LlayFocus @wrexham

— Rob Walsh (@RobWalshLlay) September 25, 2017

In a statement released this afternoon, Mrs Amanda Williams, Headteacher at Park Community Primary School, Llay, said: “The fire started at about 3pm in the back area of the school kitchen, which was unoccupied at the time.”

“I am very thankful to report that no children or members of staff were injured during the fire.

“I would like to praise the professionalism of all staff, who helped to safely evacuate the school building and ensured all pupils were safe and accounted for.

“Pupils also behaved incredibly well throughout the emergency, and they too deserve praise.

“I would also like to thank all of our parents for their response and patience during the fire, and the speed in which they came to pick up their children.

“Finally, I would also like to thank the Wales Ambulance Service and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt response and their help in dealing with this incident.”

Llay councillor Rob Walsh said: “I can confirm that all staff and children were evacuated safely within two minutes.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all staff for their professionalism. A very difficult position to be in, but they put the safety of the children first. The cause of the fire has not yet been established, but Wrexham Council will be issuing a statement as soon as possible with more details.

“Details will also follow later as to whether the school will re-open or not tomorrow.

“I would also like to say thank you to Hayley Williamson for opening the Central Cafe to staff in the aftermath.”

An update from the fire service this evening states that the fire has been extinguished, but crews will remain at the scene.

Thanks to Nina for this picture:

Thanks to Tracey for the above pictures.