Firefighters battled an intense blaze for hours after a fire broke out in a garden and rapidly spread to a house in the Somerset village of Oake, near Taunton, late on Friday evening, July 17.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service mobilised eight fire engines and crews from twelve stations, including Bampton, Cullompton, Tiverton, Taunton, Bridgwater, and others, to tackle the fire. The incident escalated quickly, prompting the deployment of additional resources such as an aerial ladder platform and a water bowser.
The house suffered significant damage, and neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution amid fears the flames could spread further. Thankfully, all residents, including the family living in the affected house, escaped unharmed.
READ MORE: Firefighters Battle Multiple Blazes Across Devon and Somerset Amid Heatwave
READ MORE: The £105m Solution Transforming Somerset’s Most Congested Village – in Pictures
Using four hose reel jets, two main jets, breathing apparatus, and thermal imaging cameras, firefighters worked into the early hours to bring the fire under control. Most crews stood down by around 2:45 a.m., while two fire engines remained on site to ensure the area was safe.
Local residents praised the swift and coordinated emergency response. Kelly Day, who lives opposite the blaze, expressed gratitude to the emergency services and community support teams, adding, “Thoughts to those who lost their homes tonight.” Similarly, Daniel Bishop-O’Connor highlighted the firefighters’ dedication amid dry conditions, while Sharon Slade commended the collective support from the fire service and local emergency response team.
This incident has deeply affected the community, demonstrating their resilience and solidarity in the face of disaster.