A large fire that devastated a warehouse in Frome has been confirmed as deliberately set, prompting an ongoing arson investigation. The blaze erupted on Wednesday, July 1, at the Saxonvale site, specifically at Western Warehouse, where more than 100 firefighters from across Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire battled the intense flames.
Emergency crews arrived around 3 pm and promptly evacuated nearby buildings, including the Silk Mill and the former Notts Industries office, to prevent the fire from spreading. Despite their efforts, the warehouse suffered severe damage — with roughly eighty percent of the structure destroyed by fire and the entire building compromised by smoke damage.
Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as suspicious. A spokesperson stated, “Police supported the fire service at the scene of a fire involving derelict buildings in Saxonvale, Frome. The roof of the warehouse collapsed during the fire. There is no indication that anyone was inside at the time.”
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Emergency services have urged anyone with information or relevant CCTV footage to contact them at 101, citing reference number 5226182083.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their continued presence overnight and noted that investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing. Somerset Council expressed gratitude for the rapid response of the emergency teams and confirmed that no injuries have been reported. The council also emphasized that the site remains under emergency service control as fire investigators, council officers, and police collaborate to determine the fire’s origin and the building’s condition.