A devastating fire has partially destroyed a historic paper mill in Watchet, with emergency services urging local residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to thick smoke in the area.
The blaze broke out on Tuesday evening at the Old Paper Mill, a site with roots tracing back to 1652 and a paper production history spanning over 350 years until its closure in 2015. Upon arrival around 8pm, firefighters discovered that approximately 90% of the mill’s roof had already collapsed.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue swiftly deployed multiple crews from Williton, Minehead, and Nether Stowey to combat the fire. Additional resources, including a third appliance and an aerial ladder platform, were sent from Minehead and Bridgwater to assist in managing the large-scale incident.
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The fire service reported that the building measures about 30 meters by 5 meters and that crews are using two main jets and a water monitor to control the flames. Despite the intense fire, firefighters are making steady progress in containing the blaze.
Authorities continue to advise residents, particularly those near Brendon Road and in Watchet, to keep all windows and doors closed to minimize smoke inhalation risks while the firefighting efforts are underway.