RESIDENTS and schools in East Lambrook are being advised to keep their windows closed as ten fire engines have been called to battle a fire at a thatched property.
Firefighters were called at 12.11pm today (March 13) to a residential property in East Lambrook near South Petherton following repeated reports from residents that a thatched property was on fire.
Multiple fire engines rushed to the incident along with an aerial ladder platform and a water carrier.
Shortly after arriving at the scene, the incident commander requested an increase in resources to a total of 10 pumping appliances, two water carriers, one aerial ladder platform, one incident command unit and a high volume pump.
Crews are currently using main jets and compressed air foam to fight the fire.
Six fire engines remain at the scene and two water units are being sent to the scene.
Residents in the local area and schools are being advised to keep all windows closed due to a large amount of smoke.
We are asking homes & schools in South Petherton to keep windows closed due to a possible smoke plume. There is an ongoing #Thatch fire taking place in South Petherton in the South Somerset district of #Somerset . (library picture) pic.twitter.com/HO7tLUuUd8
— Devon&Somerset Fire (@DSFireUpdates) March 13, 2018
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said the building's roof has collapsed and firefighters had to abandon attempts to save the owner's belongings.
"Police and ambulance service are at the scene. The road has been closed and there are currently ten fire crews fighting the fire.
"Relief crews are also being sent out to help.
"No one has been injured in the fire.
"Firefighters are still working to put out the fire on the outside of the building."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here