Businesses at Locking Farm Industrial Estate are facing major losses after an early-morning fire tore through units and destroyed vehicles, tools, equipment and stock.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident near the A371 at about 3.03am on Tuesday 18 August. Crews from 12 stations spent more than 14 hours at the scene, while the A371 was closed as firefighters brought the blaze under control and dealt with hotspots.
Nobody was reported to have been seriously injured, but photographs supplied to Local Gazette show extensive damage inside the estate, including burned-out vehicles, collapsed roofing and gutted workspaces.
Police said two industrial units were engulfed by the fire. AMH Electrical Services, one of the businesses affected, said at least eight units and businesses across the site had suffered damage.
Car enthusiasts lose garage they built together
Among those affected is a group of local car enthusiasts who used one of the units to work on cars together and spend time with one another.
Their garage, vehicles and equipment were destroyed by the fire. What had been both a practical workspace and a meeting place for the group has been left unrecognisable.
A fundraiser has now been launched to help the group replace what was lost and get their shared garage back on its feet.
The fire also affected BT MOT Centre, a long-established independent garage based at the industrial estate. A community fundraiser has been launched to help the business recover.
Electrical business vows to continue
AMH Electrical Services said its unit was completely gutted, destroying equipment, access machinery, tools and stock accumulated over more than 20 years.
The company said its vans were not inside the building and that it retained enough core equipment to continue working, although customers may experience delays while the team deals with the clean-up, insurance and other administration.
AMH has asked customers to continue supporting the small business by booking electrical and building-maintenance work while it begins rebuilding. Updates and contact details are available through the AMH Electrical Services Facebook page.
Police appeal for witnesses and footage
Avon and Somerset Police said its investigation into the cause and full circumstances of the fire is at an early stage. Officers are following several lines of enquiry and have appealed for anyone who noticed suspicious activity near the A371 between 2am and 3am on Tuesday to come forward.
Police are particularly interested in CCTV, dashcam or mobile-phone footage from the area. High-visibility patrols are also expected locally while enquiries continue.
Anyone who can help should contact Avon and Somerset Police online or call 101, quoting reference 5226232390. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The photographs were supplied to Local Gazette with permission for editorial publication. Six images are credited as supplied to Local Gazette; the remaining image is credited to Jon Burke.