Lucky escape for van after accidental fire starts on Winchester Street, Taunton

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue crews were called to Winchester Street, Taunton, at around 10pm last night (February 15) to reports a vehicle was on fire. 

The crew found that a fire had started within the back of a van involving a plastic sheet. 

The fire was quickly extinguished using a bucket of water.

The damage to the van was minimal. 

A spokesman said: "Two fire appliances from Taunton were mobilised initially to a report from a member of the public of a property fire at the above location. However, during the initial call it was confirmed as a van on fire and so the second appliance was returned en route.

"Shortly after arriving and investigating our crew found a small fire within the rear of the van, involving plastic sheeting and soon had it extinguished using a bucket of water.

"The fire had started accidentally and once the van was checked over for fire spread and hotspots, using a thermal imaging camera, the vehicle was made safe. 

"Damage was minimal and confined to the plastic sheeting only."