Sunday 26 August 2007
02.29 Coombend, Radstock
During a protracted operation lasting 24 hours, appliances from
eight stations attended a severe fire in a building in Radstock
comprising a number of workshops.
Pumps from Paulton and Radstock were initially mobilised, although
Fire Control later sent a third appliance following multiple 999
calls giving details that the fire was going through the roof of
the building.
On arrival crews found a severe fire affecting business units on
two floors of a building measuring 30 metres by 15 metres. A
turntable ladder was requested as well as a further pump. The
incident was later sectorised with four jets and the turntable
ladder put to use.
Following the discovery of a number of cylinders in the
building, including one containing acetylene, a number of roads in
the vicinity were closed by police and residents told to remain
indoors. The fire was brought under control in the early hours of
the morning.
During the operation crews from across the Authority area were
brought into relieve colleagues on the scene. The welfare unit
from Winscombe was also called for to provide food and drink
for firefighters.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service provided a presence on scene
for more than 24 hours in order to ensure the cylinders had cooled
down and no longer posed a threat.
Fire investigation officers are awaiting clearance from
structural engineers before entering the property in order to
ascertain the cause of the fire.