Firefighters fought through the night to control a devastating blaze that severely damaged a house in the village of Oake, near Taunton, Somerset.
Late on the evening of Friday, July 17, eight fire engines and crews from twelve different stations responded to reports of a fire at Oake Close. The fire reportedly began in a garden before spreading rapidly to the adjacent house. Fortunately, the family residing there escaped unharmed.
Due to concerns over the fire’s spread, neighboring homes were evacuated as a precaution. A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson explained, “Initially, three fire engines were dispatched, but upon arrival, the incident commander requested additional resources, including five more fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, and a water bowser.”
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Firefighters employed multiple methods to tackle the fire, including four hose reel jets, two main jets, breathing apparatus, and a thermal imaging camera. Despite several hours of intense effort, the blaze was finally extinguished around the early hours of Saturday. While most crews were released by approximately 2:45 AM, two fire engines remained overnight to ensure the area was safe.
The response involved teams from Bampton, Cullompton, Tiverton, Taunton, Bridgwater, Dulverton, Street, Wellington, Williton, Wiveliscombe, Ilminster, and Martock.
Local residents took to social media to express their gratitude and community spirit amid the difficult night. Kelly Day, who lives opposite the scene, shared, “We honestly thought it would spread to us. Huge thanks to all emergency services for their quick and steadfast response, as well as the support from Oake parish council and the local headteacher who stayed at the school to assist evacuees. Our thoughts are with those who lost their homes.”
Daniel Bishop-O’Connor also acknowledged the firefighters’ efforts: “With the dry conditions from recent heat, they had a tough task preventing further spread to homes and vegetation. My thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Sharon Slade highlighted the community’s resilience: “Thankfully, no one was hurt, and evacuations happened timely. The fire service and local community emergency response team worked swiftly together. Tonight showed how strongly our community pulls together. Our support goes to the families who lost their homes.”
The incident underscores the vital role of swift emergency response and neighborly solidarity during crises.