Abandoned Bridgwater Building Severely Damaged by Early Morning Fire

In the early hours of Saturday, February 28, an abandoned building in Bridgwater’s Hamp area was badly damaged by a significant fire. The blaze broke out around 4 a.m. at the derelict two-storey property, prompting a swift response from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Multiple calls to fire control reported flames on the first floor of the building, leading to the dispatch of four fire engines to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found the first floor engulfed in fire, while the ground floor had begun to show signs of smoke and heat damage.

The fire crews initially tackled the blaze with a hose reel jet to prevent the flames from spreading further. As the situation intensified, two additional appliances were deployed from Burnham-on-Sea and Taunton, alongside a supporting officer, demonstrating the seriousness of the fire.

Using two breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, a main water jet, and a triple extension ladder, firefighters worked efficiently to bring the fire under control. The fire was eventually extinguished, but not before causing significant damage—approximately 50% of the first floor and 10% of the ground floor were affected by the flames.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service praised the coordinated efforts of the crews and stressed the importance of remaining vigilant around abandoned properties to prevent similar incidents.