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Fire at National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth Fire at National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
(35 minutes later)
Firefighters are tackling a fire at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. A section of roof at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth has been destroyed by fire.
Flames and smoke could be seen coming from the roof at the building's rear and some 300 staff were evacuated from the building. Flames and smoke were seen coming from the roof at the building's rear and up to 300 staff and 100 visitors were evacuated from 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. More than 30 firefighters are at the scene although reports suggest the fire is now less severe.
Reports from the scene suggest a 30m section of the roof has been destroyed. Senior library staff said it was not known how the fire started but everyone was safe.
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. Director of public services at the library, Arwel Jones, said workers were on the roof before the fire started but it was not possible to say at the moment whether that was linked to the incident.
By 16:00 BST, reports suggested the fire was going out. The alarm was raised at 14:40 BST.
However, the library will be closed on Saturday. Reports from the scene suggest a 100ft (30m) section of the roof has been destroyed.
The affected area is largely used as office space and for new acquisitions, but it is not thought at this stage that any books have been damaged.
The library will be closed on Saturday.
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. There are eight fire appliances at the scene. Some firefighters are using an aerial ladder while others using breathing apparatus have gone into the building.
Smoke can been seem coming from a part of the library called Building 2. Smoke can been seem coming from a part of the library called Building 2, and the fire service said it was still burning.
A mobile command unit is being set up to co-ordinate the incident.
Millions of booksMillions of books
The Aberystwyth University sports centre which is next door to the library has been closed as a precaution.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.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."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."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.""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.