Fire at disused factory in Evercreech
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue says five engines were deployed to the scene at the height of the blaze
Last updated 4th Jan 2023
A fire has caused smoke to engulf the sky in a part of Somerset this afternoon (January 4) following a fire at a disused factory.
Five fire engines were sent out to the scene at the height of the blaze, with Avon and Somerset Police also deployed to the scene.
The blaze started early this afternoon, with the fire service called out thanks to a member of the public getting in touch with the force.
Locals are reporting the management of the site did not get in touch, with one councillor calling it 'neglect'.
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."
In their latest update at 15:30, a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to the incident at 13.20 at a disused factory in Evercreech.
"We presently have five fire engines dealing with the fire the police are also in attendance. We used two breathing apparatus and two main hose reel jets at the height of the fire.
"We are checking that there are no more small areas of fire and have four fire engines there presently, although we will be scaling back soon."