Historic Chapel in Wales Damaged in Suspected Arson Attack
A major fire has severely damaged the historic Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in the centre of Port Talbot, Wales, United Kingdom. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at the historic and disused building on Station Road on Thursday evening, 24 April 2025.
According to the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), their crews were called to an incident at the Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on Station Road in Port Talbot on Thursday 24 April. Calls began at 6.49pm. When they arrived, the building was “completely ablaze”.
Firefighters from Port Talbot, Morriston and Neath Fire Stations attended the scene. At its peak, six fire engines were in attendance. Crews used six water jets and a turntable fire engine as a water tower to extinguish the blaze. The service was supported by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Crews continued to monitor and extinguish remaining hotspots in the early hours of Friday 25 April.
The fire is suspected to be arson. South Wales Police said two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson. A 14-year-old boy from Sandfields and a 15-year-old boy from Bryn, both from Neath Port Talbot, were arrested. The investigation is ongoing.
Following the fire, Neath Port Talbot Council addressed the structural safety of the building. On Friday 25 April 2025, the Council used emergency powers to remove loose materials and erect a steel fencing cordon around the building. An initial assessment has determined that the remaining masonry structure is not in immediate danger of collapse. The Council is in dialogue with the owner about future works needed to ensure long-term safety and will monitor the condition of the building. While the cordon remains in place, there are no current plans to close Forge Road or Station Road.
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