A FIRE raged late into the night at an abandoned Somerset school yesterday.

Fire crews were called to the old Somerset Bridge school in Bridgwater shortly after 7pm yesterday evening (September 2) after reports of flames and smoke pouring from the building.

It is just three weeks since firefighters last rushed to the derelict school, which is in Hamp Bridge.

On that occasion, police confirmed the cause of the fire was arson.


RELATED: Former Bridgwater school building damaged in suspected arson attack


A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire Control were called to reports of a fire within a building at the above location. Fire Control sent two fire engines from Bridgwater.

"Once the crews got in attendance the officer in charge requested the attendance of two more fire engines and two water carriers due to smoke and flames issuing from the building.

"Fire Control sent the third fire engine and water bowser from Bridgwater, one fire engine from Taunton and one water bowser from Yeovil."

Somerset County Gazette:

In total, six fire appliances were rushed to the scene.

"The crew got to work to extinguish the fire with the use of five main jets and respirators," the spokesman added.

"Police attended to help maintain a cordon around the incident and to assist with the closure of roads.

"We also had assistance from the Environment Agency assessing the water run off due to the incident being close to the River Parrett."

At shortly before 11.30pm, it was reported that just one fire engine was left on the scene.

"The crews are now dampening down the area with the use of one hose reel jet and monitoring the building," the spokesman said.

Somerset County Gazette:

The school before it was damaged. Credit Jamie Lee Morgan

The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed.

The school closed in 2010, with a replacement school opening on the Stockmoor Range development.

In December 2018, plans were approved to build nine homes on the former school site.


RELATED: Homes plan for former Somerset Bridge school site approved


Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette:

Somerset County Gazette: