These were the scenes near Burnham-On-Sea early today (Friday) as scores of firefighters tackled a big blaze at a Lympsham car salesroom.
Over 11 fire crews from across Somerset were sent to the huge blaze at the rear of Lane Williams Vans, which first started just after 9.30pm last night, as pictured here.
Firefighters used hose reel jets and breathing apparatus to tackle the fire, which began in a workshop at the rear of the property and soon spread.
Flames shot high into the air, along with plumes of smoke as crews battled to extinguish the blaze. The A370 was shut through the night while crews were on scene.
The fire service initially received a call at 9.37pm reporting smoke issuing from the vicinity of the property. A local fire crew from Burnham-On-Sea was mobilised to investigate – but the incident quickly escalated as the fire spread.
“On arrival, crews confirmed smoke was issuing and requested a further three appliances to attend and confirmed a fire involving the roof of the building,” said a spokesman.
“Two appliances from Weston and one appliance from Cheddar, along with the Incident Command Unit from Street, were mobilised. Crews also requested the attendance a Water Carrier to attend for extra water.”
The A370 was closed by police while crews were at the scene. By 10.30pm, the two-storey commercial building was heavily involved in fire.
The fire was already involving motor vehicles and stock within the premises. Crews requested a further two appliances to attend from Winscombe, Yeovil and Bridgwater shortly afterwards.
At 10.45pm, the fire crews reported the building was “heavily involved in fire” and crews were are at work with two hose reel Jets and breathing apparatus. A further four appliances were requested at 11pm for manpower from Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil and Blagdon. Western Power was also asked to isolate electrics in the property.
Crews pumped water from a nearby rhyne to tackle the blaze. At 11.30pm, a fire spokesman said: “This was a building consisting of two storeys measuring approx 45m x 25m used as a car showroom and workshop. Associated buildings are used as residential accomodation. The workshop and a number of vehicles are involved in the fire.”
Crews worked into the early hours of today to fully bring the fire under control.
