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Firefighters tackling 200-tonne woodchip blaze

Chloe HarcombeWest of England
News imageTaunton Fire Station A large fire in Somerset. There are separate piles of wood and wood chip alight, with big orange and yellow flames.Taunton Fire Station
News imageTaunton Fire Station A firefighter working to extinguish a large fire in Henlade, Somerset. The silhouette of the firefighter can be seen at the edge of the frame. Taunton Fire Station
A large blaze involving 200 tonnes of wood and wood chip broke out in the early hours
Crews from Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Burnham-on-Sea and Somerton attended

Firefighters are tackling a large blaze involving 200 tonnes of wood and woodchip.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) crews were called to the blaze at Chipmunk South West, a manufacturing business on Ilminster Road in Henlade, near Taunton, at about 00:24 BST.

The fire is producing a large amount of smoke and is expected to continue for several hours, a DSFRS spokesperson said.

Residents and businesses in the area have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed for the rest of the day.

News imageThe entrance of Chipmunk South West's site. There is a large white sign at the entrance with the company logo and an arrow pointing forward. There is a stop sign with instructions for vehicles entering the site and a yellow caution sign. Smoke can be seen in the sky from the fire.
The fire broke out at manufacturing company, Chipmunk South West

At the height of the incident crews from Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Burnham-on-Sea and Somerton were in attendance, with four fire engines and a water bowser.

Two fire engines remain at the scene and the incident remains ongoing, the fire service said.

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