MULTIPLE calls were received by Devon and Somerset fire and rescue services at 12.42pm today with reports of a serious building fire in Chard.
Fire crews from Chard and Ilminster stations were called at 12.40pm to the old Oscar Mayer Factory which was described as being “well alight” by the firefighters.
The fire and rescue services have informed us that they have sent three fire crews (two fire engines from Chard and one from Ilminster) to the address and are “currently working to extinguish the fire”.
“We were called at 12.40pm to an outbuilding at the location which was well alight. We have sent three fire crews who are using water and foam jets to extinguish the fire,” a spokesperson said.
Due to large amounts of toxic smoke in the area, advice has been given to nearby Chard residents to close all their windows and doors.
In an update we have been informed that attending fire crews have used four breathing apparatus, one concentrated air foam jet, two main jets, one safety jet, one gas monitor, positive pressure ventilation and drain mats to extinguish the fire.
The situation is currently ongoing and more updates are to follow.
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