The fire service has issued a warning following Wednesday night's shed fire in Welshpool, encouraging people to store the minimum amount of flammable materials needed.

Station Manager Will Bowen, Home Fire Safety Manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Whilst MAWWFRS recommend that people store any flammable materials in a shed or outbuilding wherever possible it is important that people only hold the minimum amounts necessary.

"Storing flammable materials away from the main living areas is always the best option, however people should only ever hold the minimum amount needed. MAWWFRS would also recommend that people regularly review the flammable materials that they hold and safely and legally dispose of anything that they no longer need.

"Any sheds or outbuildings holding flammable materials must be secured properly and people have to be particularly vigilant to any potential fire risks. Any electrical supplies to sheds or outbuildings should be installed to the same standards as those in the main living areas and whenever not in use the electrical supply should be isolated."

MAWWFRS offer free home safety checks and there are also a number of Farm Liaison Officers in the service who will be able to provide free fire safety advice, which is especially relevant to farmers.”