FIREFIGHTERS from Wellington and Wiveliscombe have been helping through the night to battle a large lorry which caught alight.

They supported crews from Taunton, Bridgwater, and Tiverton after the alarm was sounded at about 1.30 am on Tuesday (January 2).

The lorry's large commercial trailer was parked in a private yard in Frobisher Way, off the Bindon Road area of Stapegrove, and was loaded with electrical items for recycling.

Smoke was a hazard for people living near the scene of the fire.
Smoke was a hazard for people living near the scene of the fire. (DSFR)

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the vehicle was ‘well alight’.

Police put a cordon around the area because of the danger posed by overhead power lines close to the scene.

Nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed because of the smoke and fumes.

An aerial ladder was deployed to help battle the lorry blaze.
An aerial platform was deployed to help battle the lorry blaze. (DSFR)

The fire service spokesperson said: “We are currently dealing with a large lorry fire.

“Crews are still in attendance and will be for some time.

“Police are also in attendance assisting with cordoning off the area.”

A Wellington fire engine at the smokelogged scene of the lorry blaze.
A Wellington fire engine at the smokelogged scene of the lorry blaze. (DSFR)

The firefighters used three breathing apparatus wearers, two covering jets, two attack jets, small tools, short extension ladders, an aerial platform, a thermal imaging camera, and a telehandler to tackle the blaze,

A Wellington crew were responsible for monitoring the smoke spread using specialist detection equipment from the station's mass decontamination unit.

Shortly after 4 pm the brigade announced the fire was out but the contents of the lorry trailer had been completely destroyed by the blaze.