Fire at disused factory in Evercreech believed to have been started deliberately
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue says five engines were deployed to the scene at the height of the blaze yesterday afternoon (January 4)
Avon and Somerset Police are continuing their investigations following a fire which engulfed the skies of Evercreech with smoke yesterday afternoon.
They say it's believed to have been started deliberately - with five appliances from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent to the scene at the height of the blaze.
The fire service was called out thanks to a member of the public getting in touch with the force - something which a local councillor has criticised.
On social media, Councillor Barry O'Leary said: "At 1.30pm I spoke to the owners representatives of the site - I was shocked that their security and site management team had not been in contact with first responders.
"I informed the rep it was their duty to do so both in terms of risks to people, property and the environment.
"Please be assured this neglect of the site will not go unaddressed."
Greatest Hits Radio have also spoken with Councillor O'Leary following the incident, which led to crews from Castle Carey, Shepton Mallet, Wincanton, Wells and Street to attend the scene.
He said: "This is the third fire we've had in the last 12 months at the site. We had five fire crew fighting the fire at the back of the factory, and they worked very hard over the course of two hours to get it under control.
"I really need to commend the emergency services for getting out and about so quickly to the village. Without a member of the public calling this in, we would have had a tragedy, but thankfully there was no loss of life.
"There was a huge cloud over the village for a number of hours - I know the police are investigating the matter, but better care needs to be taken of this site. There needs to be a mindful mindset by the owner about its community obligations.
"My biggest concern is the owner of the site owns a very large site in the middle of a rural community. Everybody agrees it needs to change, but what the community wants is a mixed use development, not just 130 houses that would look like an urban island in the middle of rural hinterland.
"Hopefully this fire is a wake-up call to the developers, for them to respect the local heritage that is already there."
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have now closed the incident. They say four breathing apparatus, two main jets, one safety jet, hydraulic spreaders and two positive pressure ventilation fans were used in putting out the blaze, and that the cause of the fire is being investigated.