Large property fire in Stretcholt, Bridgwater, this morning

Farm buildings, a stable and domestic accommodation caught fire in Stretcholt at 12.58am.

All animals had been removed from the buildings.

And a police helicopter was deployed at 3.34am to search for someone - as not everyone was accounted for.

"I can confirm we were called to assist the fire service at 1.50 this morning (Sunday 21 February) and the NPAS helicopter was also deployed," said a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police.

"An investigation is ongoing at the scene. Currently, the cause of the fire is unconfirmed and we are unable to say whether it is linked to the fire in Creech St Michael yesterday."

This is the third large fire in the Bridgwater and Taunton area in the last three days. 

READ MORE: Bridgwater college campus workshops 'completely destroyed'
READ MORE: Barn fire in Creech St Michael, near Taunton

"Crews from Bridgwater and Burnham on sea attended reports of a property fire," said a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Spokesperson.

"En route, crews saw the fire in the distance and requested the water carrier from Bridgwater. Crews arrived and requested assistance from a further six pumps as the fire was well established.

"Appliances sent from Burnham on sea, Taunton, Nether Stowey, Cheddar and Wellington. The incident command unit was also sent from Street.

"Crews got to work with hose reel jets and main jets, with two firefighters in breathing apparatus."

Large fire underway near #Bridgwater - crews battling to get the fire under control, with help from @swasFT and @ASPolice details here https://t.co/Dn1MbxKiof

— Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (@DSFireUpdates) February 21, 2021

At 1.38am, there were 12 fire engines on site, and the team realised there was also low hazard asbestos involved in the fire.

One person had smoke inhalation and so an ambulance crew was requested.

A second water carrier and the incident support unit from Yeovil, as well as the environmental protection unit from Taunton also attended.

At 2.59am, crew were using ten jets, four breathing apparatus, compressed air foam, water from the water carriers and then nearby pond.

"Crews confirmed that not all persons were accounted for at around 3.30am," added the spokesperson.

"Police were making investigations. The ambulance hazardous area response team were sent, along with the police helicopter.

"At 5.57am, the incident was being scaled down to six pumps.

"Relief crews from Somerton, Minehead, Williton, Dulverton, Honiton and Tiverton are in place, with steady progress being made."