Published: August 24, 2008
Smoldering cigarette blamed for motor home blaze in Brean

A smoldering cigarette has been blamed for starting a fire that completely destroyed the interior of a £45,000 motor home in Brean on Saturday night (August 23rd).

Two fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea rushed to Warren Farm Holiday Park at 10pm after several holidaymakers raised the alarm when the van became quickly engulfed by flames.

Amid initial concerns that someone was trapped inside, the group of four holidaymakers pictured below used water hoses to extinguish the blaze. Paul Knight, Ian Hill, Eddie Hodgetts and Simon Cooper - all from Worcester - put out the fire.

Paul told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The inside of the van was completely alight with flames. It was a horrible sight and when we heard that there could be a person inside, we knew we had to put the fire out as quickly as possible."

"We gathered several hoses, reeled them across to the van, and sprayed the water inside to put out the flames and check no-one was inside."

He added: "The fire brigade arrived here very quickly and were able to give the vehicle a further check-over."

A fire spokesman confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Our crews confirmed that the fire had been put out prior to their arrival."

"A thorough investigation was carried out using a thermal image camera to check for any further signs of fire. The cause is believed to be a carelessly put out cigarette."