Burnham-On-Sea fire crews tackled a big grass fire in a field where 120 new controversial homes are earmarked on Thursday (July 19th) – and a separate fire on the verge of the M5 motorway nearby.
Crews were called to the field at the back of the Lakeside housing development in Highbridge, as pictured here, after dozens residents reported seeing large amounts of smoke.
A fire spokesman said: “Initially one appliance from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to reports of a fire in the open in the Isleport Industrial Estate area, and whilst investigating our fire control recieved a further call stating that the fire was a wildfire in the land behind Lakeside.”
“Crews relocated to the area to be met with a rapidly spreading fire due to dry undergrowth.”
“The Incident Commander made for extra appliances, the 2nd applicance was sent from Burnham-On-Sea supported by Bridgwater, Cheddar and the Water Carrier from Bridgwater.”
“Crews worked tirelessly in hot, arduous conditions to extinguish the fire. The fire was extinguised using two main jets, one CAFFS jet, one Hose Reel and Fire Beaters. The incident concluded at 5.15pm.”
A separate fire also took place at the same time on the verge of the M5 between Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater. This caused long tailbacks for motorists as crews headed to the scene to extinguish it.
A spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Fire Control received in excess of 80 calls reporting a fire on the hard shoulder of the M5 near Burnham-on-Sea.”
“Fire appliances from Bridgwater and Cheddar were mobilised as Burnham-On-Sea crews were committed at a large grass fire in Highbridge.”
“The first crew in attendance found approximately 15 metres of scrub on the other side of the crash barrier well alight, and requested the attendance of a water carrier for additional water supplies.”
“Lane 1 of the motorway was closed while crews used four hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. Duty of care was handed over to police and Highways Agency.”
