A HOUSE, two cars, traffic lights and a 30m hedge have all suffered serious damage following a huge blaze that was started deliberately in Wellington over the weekend.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to a property on Manor Road at 1.36am on Saturday, July 11, and three fire engines were sent to the scene.
Once there, fire crews confirmed it was a blaze involving 30m of hedgerow that had spread to two cars and a house.
Broken traffic light that melted during a blaze. (Image: Will Styles)
A spokesperson for the fire service said the hedge was ‘destroyed’ with 50 per cent damage sustained to one of the vehicles and 10 per cent to the other.
The house was also slightly damaged by the heat, along with a nearby traffic light.
According to the spokesperson, the fire was started deliberately, and Avon and Somerset Police also attended the scene to help the fire crews.
The Manor Road sign in front of what remains of the hedge following the blaze. (Image: Will Styles)
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The spokesperson said: “We were called to a property on Manor Road at 1.36am and three appliances attended.
“A fire involving 30m of hedgerow had spread to two cars and a house.
“The hedge was destroyed, with 50 per cent damage to one of the vehicles and 10 per cent to the other.
Car that was severely damaged following blaze in Wellington. (Image: Will Styles)
“The house was slightly damaged by heat.
“We believe the fire was started deliberately.”
A witness at the scene of the fire said it started at the outer face of the fence surrounding the house and ‘grew into a column’ of flame before spreading across the hedge.
Melted traffic light (Image: Will Styles)
He said: “It also caught and melted a traffic light into nothing, as well as beginning to gnaw at the house itself.
“The drainpipes and barge boards melted and came away from the house.
Photo of the huge flames issuing from a deliberately started fire in Wellington. (Image: Will Styles)
“The fire service was there within 10 to 15 minutes of the call and prevented the house from catching fully.
“The heat was instant and could be felt on the other side of the road, which prevented myself and others from reaching the house’s front door.”
Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.
