Property fire

Fire control received a call from an alarm monitoring company to report alarms had activated at a commercial premises on Beeching Close in Chard. Control mobilised 1 fire appliance from Chard. Control then received a further call a short while later from the alarm monitoring company again stating they had spoken to site who confirmed there was a smell of smoke in the property and staff were evacuating the premise. Due to this information, control mobilised 2 further fire engines from Chard and Ilminster, an aerial ladder platform from Taunton and a supporting officer.

Once on scene, crews confirmed alarms were sounding and were getting to work establishing the source of smoke with 2 breathing apparatus, 1 hose reel jet and 1 thermal imaging camera. Upon further investigations, the incident commander was able to stand the ALP down so it could return home station.

Breathing apparatus wearers were increased to 3 to investigate smoke logging on first floor and find the origin of the fire. Crews were using 3 BA, 1 main jet, 1 safety jet and 1 thermal imaging camera.

Further update - crews confirmed located source of the smoke. Electricity has now been isolated to affected area of premise and the BA crew were able to confirm there was no further heat or smoke being given off by affected area.

Final update - crews confirmed fire involving cable insulation. Fire damage was confined to the cable insulation only and slight smoke damage to the remainder of the first floor. Crew used 3 BA, 1 attack jet, 1 safety jet, 1 gas monitor and 1 thermal imaging camera. Crews confirmed cause of fire was accidental.