This April marks a particularly special moment for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, as two significant anniversaries come together to celebrate decades of dedication, service and community commitment.
At the heart of these celebrations is Ammanford Fire Station, which proudly turns 70 years old this April. For seven decades, the Station has been a constant presence in the community, protecting lives, property and the local area while evolving to meet the changing needs of the people it serves.
Ammanford’s milestone sits perfectly alongside the 30th anniversary of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which was formed in 1996 when the Dyfed, Powys and West Glamorgan Fire Brigades came together to form the Service we know today. As the Service marks its 30th anniversary, we reflect not only on where it has come from, but how it continues to evolve. Over the past three decades, there has been significant progress in prevention, safety education, operational capability and partnership working, ensuring communities like Ammanford are better protected than ever before. This dual anniversary highlights how local fire stations remain central to the Service’s identity, even as it modernises to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Ammanford Fire Station has a proud and well‑established history of serving its community. Our current Chief Fire Officer, Craig Flannery, previously worked at Ammanford as the On‑Call Watch Manager before the current Watch Manager took over in 2013.
The Regal Ballroom fire in Tirydail,1967
(Photo: South Wales Guardian)
Shopper’s World on Wind Street, 1986
(Photo: South Wales Guardian)
Lloyds TSB fire in Ammanford
Major industrial fire in Ammanford, 2019. Widely remembered by residents as the Great Fire of Ammanford.
Over its 70‑year history, Ammanford Fire Station has responded to many of the most significant incidents in the town’s past. Beyond the local area, Ammanford crews have also played an important role in national emergency responses. The station’s high‑volume pump, a key National Resilience asset, has been deployed to support large‑scale flooding incidents across the country. These incidents serve as powerful reminders of both the risks faced and the critical role the Station continues to play in protecting the community.
These anniversaries are not only about looking back, but also about looking forward.
More recently, crews attended grass fires at Kilvey Hill and Baglan last year.
I would like to thank both past and present crews at Ammanford Fire Station for the dedication and professionalism in serving the communities of Ammanford and surrounding areas. With their specialist skills, the Station has also supported at a national level by responding to major widespread flooding events and large fires.
Past and present crews have shown unwavering commitment, often turning out at a moment’s notice, balancing service with family life and other employment, whilst continually training to ensure the highest standards of response.
With the same commitment, courage and community spirit that has shaped its history, Ammanford Fire Station and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service remain focused on protecting communities for many years to come.
30 Years of MAWWFRS
Since its formation in 1996, MAWWFRS has grown into one of the UK’s largest fire and rescue organisations, serving a wide and varied landscape, from rural villages and coastal towns to busy urban towns.
Throughout this time, our teams have responded to thousands of emergencies, championed fire safety and prevention and continually adapted to new challenges with professionalism and resilience.