Arson investigation after huge barn fire in Wells

Molly Seaman

28 June 2024 at 9:58 am·1-min read

Generic fire engine — -Credit: (Image: South Wales Echo)

An arson investigation has been launched after a large farm fire in Wells yesterday evening (Thursday, June 27). A suspicious barn fire was reported to emergency services just after 5pm.

Five fire engines were called to the scene at a farm in Silver Street, Wells. As firefighters arrived, they found a barn “well alight”.

The barn, which was made of corrugated steel, suffered 40 per cent fire damage. The barn contained approximately 15 tonnes of hay and tyres.

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The cause of the fire is believed to have been started deliberately. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and rescue said crews extinguished the fire and remained to cool hot spots to reduce the spread of the blaze.

In a statement the force said: “Crews are currently at work with two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one covering jet and a thermal imaging camera. Crews are making good progress extinguishing hot spots and turning over to reduce the spread of the fire.

“The fire was extinguished using five breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one covering jet, one thermal imaging camera, drag forks and one spike attack jet. The fire was believed to have been started deliberately.”

Avon and Somerset Police has been approached for a statement.

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