Date: May 24, 2018
Location: Upper Milton, Wells (United Kingdom)
Address: Tynings Lane, Upper Milton, Wells, UK
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Wood Shavings
Industry: Wood Shavings Processing and Packing (Wood Products)
Equipment: Packing Area
Company: Mendip Wood Shavings
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
It was reported by Bristol Live that the workshop where the fire broke out was owned by Mendip Wood Shavings, based in Charterhouse, Bristol. Mendip Wood Shavings have no website, but their Facebook page describes them as an agriculture company who are “specialists in all types of animal bedding”.
Aivly.co.uk list Mendip Wood Shavings for sale on their website and describe the product Mendip Newflake as “highly absorbent, large flake wood shaving.” The listing continues: “The purpose made shaving is made from kiln dried soft wood, the exceptionally comfortable bedding is dust extracted making it ideal for horses who are prone to or suffer from respiratory issues.”
Description of Workshop Fire:
On May 24, 2018, Somerset Live reported that firefighters had been tackling a huge fire at a workshop in Wells since approximately 2:30 am that morning.
The fire began in a building being used as a wood shavings processing plant on Tynings Lane, Upper Milton shortly before 2.30 am. Crews from across Somerset were sent to the scene in an effort to bring the fire under control, with firefighters from Cheddar, Wells, Taunton, Bridgwater and Glastonbury among those present.
There was very little information available as to the precise location of the incident. It was widely reported to have occurred on Tynings Lane, but the exact name of the building or business involved was notably absent from most reports. Bristol Live said in an update that the burning workshop was owned by Mendip Wood Shavings, a business based at Charterhouse Factory in Charterhouse, Bristol.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: “Once in attendance, the incident commander confirmed one workshop well alight and requested two further fire appliances which were sent from Wells and Yatton, an aerial ladder platform which was sent from Taunton and a water carrier which was sent from Bridgwater.”
Crews worked with various pieces of equipment including two attack jets and a covering jet. At 3:45 am the incident commander called for additional manpower.
Somerset Live posted a second article later in the day which stated that the fire had started in the packing area of the building. As of 7:00 am, the blaze was largely under control, but three crews remained at the scene. Fire crews had spent more than ten hours fighting the fire. No injuries were reported.
Anyone living around the area of the fire was advised by the fire service to keep their windows and doors because of smoke plumes.
The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service posted details of the incident on their website. They confirmed that the fire occurred in a commercial property consisting of one floor measuring approximately 35 m x 15 m and being used as a wood shavings processing plant. The structure of the building was severely damaged by fire whilst the inside and contents were completely destroyed.
Sources:
Somerset Live (initial report)
Somerset Live (later report)
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
Bristol Live
Aivly.co.uk
