A significant farm fire at Chestnut Farm in Streamcross, Claverham, which forced the evacuation of residents within an 800-metre radius, is now under control, allowing those displaced to safely return to their homes. Avon Fire and Rescue confirmed on Monday, August 4, that while the blaze remains ongoing, firefighters have contained it and will continue to monitor the site throughout the day to prevent any spread.
The fire was first reported shortly before 9:20 pm on Saturday night. Emergency services, including Avon Fire and Rescue, South Western Ambulance Service, and Avon and Somerset Police, responded promptly to the scene. In response to the danger, authorities established an 800-metre safety cordon and implemented several road closures. Residents within the affected perimeter were evacuated to a designated rest centre for their safety.
At the peak of the incident, the fire involved hazardous chemicals alongside a large quantity of hay bales, posing an initial risk to the surrounding community. As a precaution, residents were advised to keep all doors and windows closed to minimize exposure. However, the hazardous chemical threat has since been mitigated.
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By Sunday evening, road closures and the evacuation cordon were lifted, and residents were permitted to return home, despite some fire activity still present on-site. The fire service scaled back its on-site presence at 8 pm Sunday, but crews will maintain regular inspections to ensure the fire remains contained and poses no additional risk.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Avon Fire and Rescue plans to launch a thorough investigation as soon as it is safe to do so. A spokesperson stated, “Our teams are committed to ongoing safety checks and investigations to determine how this fire started and to prevent future incidents.”