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Crews tackle blaze at National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth Fire at National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
(35 minutes later)
Firefighters are tackling a blaze at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. Firefighters are tackling a fire at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.
Flames and smoke can be seen coming from the roof of the library and some 300 staff were evacuated after the alarm was raised at 14:39 BST. Flames and smoke could be seen coming from the roof at the building's rear and some 300 staff were evacuated from the building.
Senior library staff said it was not known how the fire started but everyone was safely out of the building. The alarm was raised at 14:40 BST. Senior library staff said it was not known how the fire started but everyone was safe.
Reports from the scene suggest a 30m section of the roof had been destroyed, with smoke billowing out of the hole. Reports from the scene suggest a 30m section of the roof has been destroyed.
Firefighters are using an aerial ladder to tackle the blaze. Smoke could be seen billowing out of the hole. It is understood the affected area is largely used as office space and it is not thought at this stage that any books have been damaged.
It is not clear what the affected area is used for but smoke can been seem coming from an area of the library called Building 2. By 16:00 BST, reports suggested the fire was going out.
Millions of books However, the library will be closed on Saturday.
Hundreds of onlookers have gathered outside the building.
Aled Gruffydd Jones, who takes over as head librarian in August, told the BBC Wales news website: "Everybody is out and safe and all the procedures have been followed.Aled Gruffydd Jones, who takes over as head librarian in August, told the BBC Wales news website: "Everybody is out and safe and all the procedures have been followed.
"We need to know what happened and how. I'm puzzled by how it could've started. Clearly we need an inquiry.""We need to know what happened and how. I'm puzzled by how it could've started. Clearly we need an inquiry."
There are five crews at the scene and firefighters are using an aerial ladder while others using breathing apparatus have entered the building.
Smoke can been seem coming from a part of the library called Building 2.
Millions of books
The Aberystwyth University sports centre which is next door to the library has been closed as a precaution.
Hundreds of onlookers have gathered outside the building.
Elwyn Williams, head of promotions at the library, said: "We were in a meeting when at 2.40pm when the library's fire alarm went off.
"We followed all our procedures and got staff and visitors out of the building - that went smoothly.
"Then the emergency services arrived and we closed the road leading to the library.
"But we're shutting the library tomorrow due to the incident. It's impossible to know what the cause is at the moment."
The library has millions of books plus manuscripts, archives, maps, pictures, photographs, films and music.The library has millions of books plus manuscripts, archives, maps, pictures, photographs, films and music.
It was established by Royal Charter on 19 March, 1907, the same day as the National Museum in Cardiff.It was established by Royal Charter on 19 March, 1907, the same day as the National Museum in Cardiff.
The building, which is on Penglais Hill overlooking Aberystwyth, was started in 1911, and first occupied in 1916.The building, which is on Penglais Hill overlooking Aberystwyth, was started in 1911, and first occupied in 1916.
Several extensions have been added since.Several extensions have been added since.