500 Highbridge homes without power after factory blaze

Published: July 7, 2008
500 Highbridge homes without power after factory blaze

Over 500 homes in Highbridge were without power on Monday afternoon (July 7th) after a blaze at a furniture factory in the town.

These were the scenes at Woodberry Brothers and Haines in Commerce Way as fire crews from across the area battled a blaze at a power sub station on the company's site.

Two fire engines from Burnham-On-Sea and one from Bridgwater were called to the incident at 1.53pm.

The sub station, measuring 4 metres by 20 metres, was on fire and crews tackled the blaze with jets from nearby buildings.

"The fire crews also used breathing apparatus and compressed air foam to reduce the fire's spread," a spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

All electricity to the sub station was isolated, and crews used tools to remove some of the roof to prevent the fire spreading.

The cause of the blaze was found to be a fault with a large electrical switch, which was damaged by an initial explosion.

"The roof of the building was damaged 50% by fire and 95% by smoke and heat, and the whole building was damaged 100% by smoke. Crews used one compressed air foam jet and one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire," added the fire spokesman.

Irene Evans of Western Power Distribution told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "A total of 528 homes were without power due to the fire. By 3pm there were 412 customers affected and by 5pm all homes were reconnected to the supply, except the Woodberry Haines site itself."

Meanwhile, telephone callers to Woodberry Haines were greeted with a short recorded message on Monday afternoon. It simply stated: "We currently have a power cut and are unable to take calls. Please try tomorrow."

Our photos show (top) the power sub-station at the centre of Monday's blaze and, beneath, fire crews from Burnham and Bridgwater dealing with the incident

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