A warning has been issued by the fire service after a skip blaze earlier this week.

On Monday afternoon, at 1.32 pm, firefighters from Whitland attended a skip fire in Llanteg.

Firefighters used one hose reel jet to extinguish a small refuse fire that was on top of a lorry.

Following the incident, MAWWFRS arson reduction team manager, Steve Richards, advised the public: “Skip fires are usually started deliberately, but can happen accidentally if organic material is kept under humid conditions (hot and damp), which can cause material to spontaneously combust.

“This incident was accidental and minor; however, skip fires are dangerous due to the smoke, heat and flames given off.

“Depending on the waste will depend on the smoke given off. If plastics and rubber are present, then the smoke will be extremely toxic.

“There is also the possibility of unknown hazards such as gas cylinders being present. When these are heated, they can explode releasing a fireball that can spread the fire to adjacent properties and can also cause serious injuries to anyone nearby.

“We advise that skips should be stored securely and away from buildings (8m) and perimeter fences (2m).”