Huge fire erupts next to M&S store with flames and black smoke seen for miles
A huge fire has engulfed a building in Frome, with massive flames and thick plumes of black smoke rising high into the sky. Several fire engines are tackling the blaze next to the M&S store on Kingsway.
The fire broke out at a derelict building on the Western Warehouse site in the Saxonvale area of the town at around 3pm on Wednesday. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has said no casualties have been reported, although the building is at risk of collapse. Dramatic pictures from the scene, published by Somerset Live, show bright flames engulfing the building, with local residents looking on. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to keep their doors and windows closed. The fire service shared a post on social media which read: "We currently have eight pumping appliances tackling a derelict building fire on Kingsway, Frome. Please keep your doors and windows closed if you live in the area due to the smoke."
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the major fire remains ongoing, although crews have made progress in tackling the blaze.
"Good progress is being made in extinguishing the fire, the incident will shortly be reduced to two fire engines."
Mayday Saxonvale, a community group focused on the future of the Saxonvale site in Frome, said it was "absolutely devastated" by the fire.
"Our thoughts are with Damon and Kate, the Silk Mill residents, neighbouring businesses and local residents who have been affected, and with the firefighters tackling this incredibly difficult blaze.
"The Western Warehouse has stood as a significant part of Saxonvale's industrial heritage for generations. It is also an important part of our vision for Saxonvale, with the potential to become a much-loved community asset for future generations. Seeing it so badly damaged is heartbreaking for everyone who cares about this place.
"Right now, our focus is simply on the people affected and on thanking the emergency services for everything they are doing."
No casualties have been reported yet following the major fire, according to the BBC.
The broadcaster reported that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the building has been "completely engulfed" by flames and is "at risk of collapse" as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze.
Residents nearby have also been urged to keep their doors and windows closed because of the smoke.
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A firefighter has been pictured tackling the blaze from an aerial ladder platform as crews continue working to bring the fire under control.
Images from the scene show the scale of the operation, with thick smoke continuing to billow from the building.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirm the blaze broke out shortly before 3pm.
Firefighters remain at the scene as they work to bring the incident under control.
According to SomersetLive, eight fire engines are at the scene from Frome, Castle Cary, Street, Sheptom Mallet and Wells fire stations.
This image shows intensity of the fire as smoke billows over Frome.
In a post on X, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said eight pumping appliances were tackling a fire involving a derelict building on Kingsway in Frome.
The service urged people living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke coming from the blaze.
We currently have eight pumping appliances tackling a derelict building fire on Kingsway, Frome. Please keep your doors and windows closed if you live in the area due to the smoke. pic.twitter.com/AVZkr6Wdpi
The fire has broken out at derelict building next to the M&S store on Kingsway.
The fire has reportedly broken out at a “heritage asset”.
We will bring you more updates as they arrive.
Welcome to our live coverage as firefighters battle a major blaze in Frome.
A large building has been engulfed by flames in Frome, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with emergency services urging nearby residents to keep their doors and windows closed.