EMERGENCY services were called after a large deliberate fire broke out in a former food factory off the A358 Furnham Road, Chard, on Sunday (March 8) night.
At around 6.20pm on Sunday, March 8, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to the former Oscar Mayer factory after receiving reports of a large blaze.
Three fire engines, two from Chard and one from Ilminster, were sent to the scene and confirmed there was a fire involving rubbish and plastic pallets at the rear of the factory, which was spreading up a grass bank.
Avon and Somerset Police were called to help at the scene of the fire at the site due to safety reasons at around 6.35pm.
Fire crews used water jets to extinguish the fire, according to a spokesperson for the fire service, and after conducting initial investigations, it was determined that the fire had been started deliberately.
They also confirmed no one was injured following the blaze and that a similar incident occurred on February 28, where plastic was deliberately ignited outside the building.
The spokesperson said: “The fire is believed to have been started deliberately, and police were in attendance. No reports of injuries.”
Following this, a police investigation has been launched, and officers are calling on residents who may have relevant CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage, which could assist with their enquiries, to come forward.
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A spokesperson for the police said: “The fire service called us to assist at the scene of a fire at a site off the A358 Furnham Road, in Chard, due to safety reasons at around 6.35pm on Sunday (March 8).
“An investigation by the fire service has determined its cause to be deliberate, and a police investigation is underway.
“Anybody with information on the incident or who may have relevant CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage which could assist with our enquiries to call 101 quoting reference 5226064822 or complete our online appeals form.”
In response to the blaze, Adam Dance MP has commented, thanking emergency services for bringing the fire under control so quickly.
Mr Dance has also acknowledged how concerning this would have been for nearby residents and how important it is that the cause is properly investigated so that steps can be taken to keep the site safe in future.
He said: “I want to thank our firefighters and emergency services for bringing this fire under control so quickly last night. Incidents like this are extremely concerning for nearby residents, particularly as this is the second fire at the former factory site in the space of a week.
"It is important that the cause is properly investigated and that steps are taken to ensure the site is safe so local people are not put at risk again.”
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