A major scrapyard fire at Radstock Metals in Coombend, Radstock, is still alight after a vehicle reportedly caught fire at around 11 am this morning, spreading to around 145 scrap cars, causing thick black smoke to engulf the town which could be seen for miles. Small explosions were also heard as fuel tanks caught fire.

Fire crews are still tackling the severe blaze, with Bristol Water reporting that the water supply in the town is now running low as a result, but that the priority has to be to put out the fire. It is reported that the fire service is now sourcing water from the river.

Police have been warning residents to keep windows and doors shut and to stay away from the area. There were three casualties suffering from smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries have been reported.

Radstock Co-operative Society evacuated its travel department for a short time but stayed open throughout. The fire service had been using part of the car park.

More on this story as we receive it, and in next week’s paper.