Former Oscar Mayer Factory in Chard Deliberately Set Ablaze

A former Oscar Mayer factory in Chard, Somerset, was deliberately set on fire, causing a large blaze that illuminated the town with an orange glow. The fire broke out at approximately 6:22 pm on Sunday, March 8, originating from rubbish and plastic pallets located at the rear of the building. Flames quickly spread up a nearby grass bank, prompting a rapid response from emergency services.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service dispatched three appliances equipped with water jets to tackle the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A fire service spokesperson confirmed the blaze appeared to be intentionally ignited and that police were also present at the scene.

This incident marks the second fire at the former ready meal factory within a week; the first fire occurred on February 28. The factory, which closed in August 2021 resulting in 860 job losses, was deemed too costly to modernize. Since its closure, the site on Furnham Road has remained abandoned despite being sold to an undisclosed buyer in September 2022 and earmarked for housing development.

Somerset Council previously noted it had yet to receive any formal development applications for the site and emphasized the importance of preserving employment opportunities there. As of now, the site remains undeveloped and vacant, continuing to attract concern from local authorities and residents.