In the early hours of Saturday, August 23, a destructive fire tore through a Spar convenience store and the residential flat above it in the Somerset village of Cannington. The fire erupted around 4 a.m. on the High Street, prompting a swift response from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
Firefighters arrived to find the roof space of the terraced building fully engulfed in flames. The blaze caused total destruction to the home situated above the shop, while the Spar store suffered significant smoke and water damage. Residents were evacuated safely as crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire.
The fire department deployed resources from eight fire stations across Somerset to combat the blaze. Initial reports confirmed the severity as the roof was “well alight,” with smoke billowing visibly from the site. An image released by Taunton Fire Station captured the intense smoke rising from the building’s severely damaged roof.
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In a detailed update, the fire service described the property as a mid-terraced structure made of brick and tiles, measuring approximately 80 metres by 15 metres. Damage assessments revealed the shop’s roof was completely destroyed by fire, the first floor sustained 50% fire damage along with total smoke damage, and the ground floor faced minor fire damage but extensive smoke and water impact.
Firefighters utilized extensive equipment, including eight breathing apparatus kits, multiple hose reel and main jets, a safety jet, an aerial ladder platform, an ejector pump, ladders, small tools, and thermal imaging cameras to bring the fire under control. Authorities have advised locals to avoid the area while the aftermath is addressed.