Dramatic Car Fire on M5 Near Taunton Extinguished After 31 Emergency Calls

A car caught fire on the M5 near Taunton this evening, January 22, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the incident on the M5 at Pitminster just before 6:15 pm, following an influx of 31 calls to their control center.

Two fire engines from the Taunton station were dispatched to the scene between Taunton and Wellington. Firefighters employed two breathing apparatus sets, two hose reel jets, a thermal imaging camera, and cutting tools to bring the blaze under control.

The fire was successfully extinguished on site, and after inspection, the cause was deemed accidental by the fire service. The responsibility for the incident was subsequently handed over to the police and highways authorities for further management.

In an official statement, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Two fire appliances attended a car fire on the M5 following 31 calls to fire control. The fire was extinguished using two breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, a thermal imaging camera, and cutting tools. The cause was deemed accidental. Duty of care has now been passed to Police and Highways.”