Firefighters from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater were called to tackle a house fire in the centre of Berrow on Saturday (March 26th).
Two fire engines from Burnham and a further engine from Bridgwater were called to the property in Berrow Road at 11.16am, as pictured here, after thick black smoke was seen pouring from the roof.
Crews used four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and a covering jet to bring the blaze under control, which caused extensive damage to the roof and first floor of the building.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com at the scene, fire officer Dick Solomon said: “The fire is believed to have been caused by heat from the plume of a coal fire radiating to the roof. We used a range of equipment and numerous ladders to extinguish the fire.”
House owner Colin Cave told Burnham-On-Sea.com he and his wife had managed to escaped the house unhurt.
“The first indication we had that something was wrong was when the bulbs started flickering.”
“Then I looked outside and saw some smoke and thought it was a neighbour’s bonfire, but was shocked to then notice smoke coming from our roof.”
“My wife and I quickly escaped the building and we called for the fire brigade.”
He thanked the crews for their prompt work in tackling the fire. “I am full of praise for what they have done. We are very grateful for their help,” he said.
Damage was confined to the first floor, 30% of roof by fire and heat, 20% remainder of roof by heat, 10% to first floor by smoke and water damage.
Berrow Road was temporarily closed while emergency services were at the scene and queues of traffic built up through the village, as pictured below. Click here for video footage of the scene in Berrow.
The incident caused long queues of traffic either side of Berrow village centre
