Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on the southbound M5 (the highway for us Americans) near Junction 27 after a car caught fire, with the blaze spreading to the surrounding bank and foliage.
Crews from Wellington Fire Station responded with two fire engines, while Tiverton Fire Station (located in Devon) was mobilized as part of a make-up pumps three request to provide additional water supplies.
The incident posed a significant risk as the fire threatened to spread beyond the roadside embankment. Thick smoke rose into the air as firefighters prevented the blaze from reaching nearby standing crops, a cattle field and electrical installations.
Emergency Response Required Unusual Highway Access
According to Wellington Fire Station, the incident commander worked closely with police to allow Tiverton firefighters to enter the highway via the off-slip road before traveling the wrong way along the carriageway to reach the fire as soon as possible.
The station also thanked motorists caught in lengthy delays, as Somerset Live reported cars were at a standstill while emergency services ensured the fire was put out.
In a statement, Wellington Fire Station said crews had now returned from the incident and expressed their gratitude to everyone affected by the traffic disruption for their patience.
Driver Thanks Firefighters After Escaping Safely
The driver of the destroyed vehicle, Amy Turner, shared an emotional message on social media after the incident.
“This was my car. I want to thank you all so much for all your help. We really appreciate it and cannot thank you enough.”
Wellington Fire Station replied: “Glad everyone got out safe.”
Facebook users also expressed their relief, with many commenting that the incident “must have been really scary” while thanking emergency crews for ensuring everyone escaped unharmed.
The cause of the vehicle fire has not been confirmed, with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service yet to release any information about what sparked the blaze. Most importantly, everyone in the vehicle escaped unharmed.
Social Media Praises Firefighters for Preventing Greater Disaster
The incident prompted dozens of messages praising firefighters and police for containing the blaze before it spread into nearby farmland.
One resident wrote: “Oh wow, that farmer came so close to losing his crops and a lot of income. What an amazing job done to contain it. Thoughts with the people in the car who have lost a lot and must have been so frightened.”
Another local resident thanked Wellington Fire Station for protecting neighboring land, writing: “Thank you, Wellington Fire Station, for stopping the fire spreading to ours and our neighbors’ fields.
“There was a very scary moment looking down across our field at the smoke rising, then the relief of hearing the sirens of the crews on their way. You do a remarkable job.”
Due to the location of the fire on the freeway, many praised the emergency services for preventing what could have been a devastating loss of nearby crops, with trees and farmland extremely close to the blaze and consequent soot, while also ensuring everyone involved reached safety.