Cheddar and Winscombe firefighters among multiple crews who tackled blaze in Highbridge

Firefighters from Cheddar and Winscombe were among multiple crews who tackled a blaze on an industrial estate in Highbridge yesterday evening (May 5).

Just before 6pm, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue control received multiple calls from the public regarding a building fire on Commerce Way in Highbridge.

Two fire engines from Burnham-on-Sea, two from Bridgwater, one from Cheddar, one from Taunton, an aerial ladder and water carrier from Bridgwater, incident command unit from Street, a welfare unit from Crediton, incident support unit from Martock and a water carrier from Yeovil attended alongside two fire engines from Avon Fire Service, including Winscombe.

On arrival flames were issuing from the roof, and crews got to work tackling the single-storey fire using five attack jets, four breathing apparatus and a portable pump from open water.

Occupants of nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, and at one point, the M5 was closed due to smoke on the carriageway.

At 9.30pm, crews confirmed that the building, used as a vehicle workshop and for storage, was 60 per cent damaged by fire and 100 per cent damaged by smoke.

In total, eight breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, five main jets, an aerial platform ladder, a triple extension ladder, a light portable pump and small tools were used to extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are underway this morning (May 6).