THE A38 has been closed near Burnham-on-Sea this afternoon (August 7) after a major fire at a property in Rooks Bridge; emergency services have confirmed.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers are assisting Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service at the scene, with road closures in place and long delays reported in the area.
It follows several incidents this afternoon, including two crashes on a Somerset stretch of the M5 Motorway.
Police issue statement after A38 road closed in Somerset
A police spokesperson said: “We have been supporting the fire service with closures on the A38 at Rooksbridge, at the junctions with Mudgley Road, Mendip Road, Fletchers Lane, Old Bristol Road and the A370 South.”
Motorists have been urged to avoid the area, with one driver warning others about the disruption.
Catherine Cook wrote on social media: “If you are coming off the M5 at Burnham to avoid traffic, the A38 is currently closed through Rooksbridge due to a fire.”
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines from Cheddar and Burnham-on-Sea were initially sent to reports of a fire.
After further calls indicated the blaze involved a garage, the incident was upgraded to a commercial property fire and additional resources were requested.
Crews from Bridgwater, Winscombe and Weston-super-Mare attended, alongside an aerial ladder platform from Taunton and several officers.
Firefighters discovered a detached building measuring approximately 10 metres by 20 metres fully involved in fire, with a number of vehicles also alight.
Crews used breathing apparatus, attack jets and water supplies from a nearby hydrant to tackle the blaze. Power cables were affected by the fire, prompting National Grid to attend and isolate the electricity supply.
A neighbouring property was evacuated as a precaution because of its proximity to the fire.
The fire service also confirmed cylinders were located inside the garage and were being cooled by firefighters, while a hazardous materials officer attended to support the operation.
At the height of the incident, crews were using ground monitors, a hose reel jet and thermal imaging cameras as they worked to bring the fire under control.
The A38 remains shut in both directions while emergency services continue to deal with the incident. Motorists should expect delays and seek alternative routes where possible.
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