Dozens of firefighters have spent the entire day battling a large fire at a remote property in rural Somerset. The incident unfolded at a house on Dyche Road in Holford, Exmoor, prompting crews from multiple stations including Crediton, Taunton, Bridgwater, Minehead, Nether Stowey, Street, Williton, Cheddar, and Martock to respond.
The fire service received the initial alert shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, when occupants reported the blaze. Three fire engines were dispatched immediately, but as the fire spread to a neighboring cottage, additional units were called in.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service explained that although the occupants of the first property had evacuated safely, the fire’s rapid expansion necessitated more resources. The fire crews coordinated efforts by adding fire appliances and water carriers from several stations including Minehead, Bridgwater, Taunton, Yeovil, Street, and Martock.
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By 3:18 p.m., approximately five hours after the emergency call, firefighters had brought the fire under control. The operation required multiple ladders and ceiling hooks to access and extinguish flames in loft spaces and rooftops.
Due to the fire’s severity and extensive damage, crews maintained a safe distance, continuing to extinguish hotspots until the blaze was fully contained.
Firefighters will return this evening for safety checks, and an official investigation, including fire and police investigators, is scheduled for Sunday morning to determine the cause of the fire.