THREE fire crews and a decontamination unit rushed to an Ilminster factory to fight flames coming from an extractor unit.

Devon and Somerset fire and rescue were called to the Daido Industrial Bearings factory in Winterhay Lane shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon (October 18).

Three pumping engines from Chard and Ilminster were sent to the scene of the fire after a call from the premises.

Fire crews got to work removing a filtration unit from the factory's casting shop wearing two breathing apparatus, and used two hose reels and a covering jet to extinguish the fire.

A thermal imaging camera was used to check for hotspots and a gas monitor to check safety levels within the premises.

The environmental protection unit from Taunton was sent to assist with the precautionary decontamination of six firefighters.

The incident was concluded at 4.15pm.

A spokesman for Daido Industrial Bearings said: "At  around  1.30pm  on  Tuesday, October 18 a fire broke out in the casting  shop. The  fire brigade were called immediately and the fire was quickly  contained.

"No one was hurt. All chemicals were retained within the factory premises and there is no danger to any neighbouring properties. The factory continues to run as normal."