More than 100 caravans worth over £1 million are destroyed as massive fire rips through dealership
Gas cylinders exploded as fierce blaze ripped through business site in Highbridge, Somerset, but emergency services have yet to confirm the cause
MORE than 100 caravans worth over £1million were destroyed when fire ripped through a dealership in the early hours of this morning.
The blaze started at 1.30am and quickly spread as the tightly-packed tourist units caught light and gas cylinders exploded – a cause has yet to be confirmed.
More than 60 people called the emergency services and a fleet of 10 fire engines rushed to Highbridge Caravan Centre in Highbridge, Somerset to deal with the blaze.
Dozens of caravans were moved to create 'fire breaks' and the blaze was eventually brought under control at around 4.20am.
Philip Davies, Director of Highbridge Caravans, praised the quick-thinking actions of a security guard who raised the alarm.
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He said: “We are devastated that this has happened. More than 100 caravans have been destroyed and as each has a value of around £10 to £15,000 the overall figure will be around £1million.
“I'm thankful that our security guard spotted the fire early and I would also like to thank the emergency services for their work - we had ten fire engines at the peak of the incident.”
The cause of the blaze is not yet known but it is originally through to have started in a shed or fence on the perimeter of the 11-acre site.
Mr Davies added: “Fortunately, the fire did not spread to any buildings and no-one was hurt, so our business is open and we continue as usual.
“Our workshops, sales area, accessories and awnings shop are all open for business.”
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “After the incident was sectorised, at around 4.20am, to enable crews to tackle the fire as effectively as possible, and a natural fire break created, crews moved as many caravans as possible.
“Confirmation was received that good progress was being made, the fire was surrounded and the main fire was now out.
“The incident will be scaled down shortly but this is going to be a protracted incident with crews currently at work with six main jets, damping down a large area of hotspots. Police, Ambulance and utility companies are also in attendance.
“No persons were injured and the cause will be determined once the fire has been fully extinguished.”
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