Emergency services were called to tackle a serious blaze on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Govilon, near Abergavenny, late on Monday morning.
Fire crews were alerted shortly after 11.15am following reports that several boats were alight at the Govilon Boat Club. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident involved three canal boats, describing the situation as “ongoing” while firefighters worked to bring the flames under control.
Eyewitness Katharine Skellon, of Sudol Media, who arrived at the scene, described dramatic scenes as thick smoke and towering flames engulfed the boats. “I could see black smoke billowing high above the boat club, some 20–30ft, and flames at least 10–15ft engulfing the boats and neighbouring boats. It looked as though three, possibly four boats moored in the wharf were well alight,” she said.
Ms Skellon added that while the fire appeared to have been extinguished later in the morning, crews remained on site to ensure the area was safe. She noted that no ambulances were present at the time she was there.
A spokeswoman for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed: “SWFRS received a call at approximately 11.16am to an incident in Govilon, whereby three canal boats were on fire.”
The Govilon Boat Club, situated along the scenic Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at the foot of the Blorenge Mountain, is a well-known beauty spot favoured by walkers, hikers, and tourists. The site, accessed via Blaenavon Road—locally known as The Tumble—also forms part of a popular route for major cycling events.
As of Monday afternoon, fire crews remained at the scene, and an investigation into the cause of the blaze was expected to follow.
