The owner of Radstock Metals has said he “wouldn’t have a yard left if it were not for the Fire Service.”

Veito Hall, 27, owner of the scrapyard in Coombend that was the scene of a massive fire last Friday, making both local and national news, has praised Avon Fire and Rescue and all of the emergency services that came to the family businesses’ aid last week.

The fire, which sent huge plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and which could be seen for miles around, raged from around 11 a.m. on Friday morning until it was fully extinguished by firefighters on Saturday afternoon. Once safe to do so, a crane had to lift each of the car shells to make sure that the fire was completely out.

Avon Fire and Rescue estimated that around five engines were sent to Radstock with thirty firefighters on the scene. They also received over thirty calls from members of the public. By Friday evening, Bristol Water tweeted that the town was running low on water supplies, due to the effort of fighting the fire. Water was also taken from the nearby river to try and douse the flames.

Speaking to The Journal this week, Veito said: “I would like to put out there a massive thank you to the Fire Brigade, Police Force, Ambulance/ Paramedic Services and the members of the public and our neighbours who have been very respectful, patient and understanding, and to all of the people who have phoned and who came into the yard to offer their help, it is very much appreciated.

“The Fire Brigade do not get paid enough for what they do, and if it were not for them, I wouldn’t have a yard left.

“The fire started at about 11.15 a.m. when a vehicle ignited while de-polluting, which spread to the other vehicles that were stacked. The fire destroyed 175 cars – I know, as we had a large clear out two weeks ago.

“All fire procedures were in place and followed to the Environment Agency Permit Rules and Regulations.”

The yard was up and running again by Monday of this week.