STAFF at a commercial property in Chard have been evacuated after a fire.

The incident happened yesterday (May 3) at 11.07pm on Beeching Close and fire crews were able to confirm the fire involved cable insulation.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire control received a call from an alarm monitoring company to report alarms had activated at a commercial premise on Beeching Close in Chard.

“Control mobilised one fire appliance from Chard. Control then received a further call a short while later from the alarm monitoring company again stating they had spoken to the site who confirmed there was a smell of smoke in the property and staff were evacuating the premise.

“Due to this information, control mobilised two further fire engines from Chard and Ilminster, an aerial ladder platform from Taunton, and a supporting officer.

“Once on scene, crews confirmed alarms were sounding and were getting to work establishing the source of smoke with two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, and one thermal imaging camera.

“Upon further investigations, the incident commander was able to stand the ALP down so it could return to the home station.

“Breathing apparatus wearers were increased to three to investigate smoke logging on the first floor and find the origin of the fire. Crews were using three BA, one main jet, one safety jet, and one thermal imaging camera.

“Further update - crews confirmed located source of the smoke. Electricity has now been isolated to the affected area of the premise and the BA crew was able to confirm there was no further heat or smoke being given off by the affected area.”

A final update from the fire service said: “Crews confirmed a fire involving cable insulation.

“Fire damage was confined to the cable insulation only and slight smoke damage to the remainder of the first floor.

“Crew used three BA, one attack jet, one safety jet, one gas monitor, and one thermal imaging camera. Crews confirmed the cause of the fire was accidental.”