Businesses destroyed by large grass fire
Two businesses have been badly damaged by a large grass fire in Weston-super-Mare.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called to the fire near Locking Farm Industrial Estate at around 3am on Tuesday August 18.
One of those businesses, is White Noise Studios, a rehearsal and recording venue for musicians.
In a post on social media, the owner confirmed the "total loss" of the studio. He added, "It appears the studios have been involved in a massive wildfire.
"Unfortunately, it looks like the studios are a total loss and will be closed until further notice.
"Thanks everyone for your support and once we've had time to register everything we'll look at bookings already made and start refunding those bookings".
Steven Quiton, Avon Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager said, "On arrival the crews found a well developed fire involving the industrial unit, at the height of the fire we had fourteen fire engines present.
"The fire spread rapidly, we have two units that have been damaged, one has been significantly damaged and the other is half damaged. We were able to contain the spread of the rest of the fire.
"We believe the fire started in the field, we will now work to establish how the fire started by working with Avon and Somerset Police."
He urged, people to follow local and national guidelines, adding that the ongoing hot weather has turned the dry ground into a 'tinderbox'.
The A371 remains closed from The Runway to Banwell Road as crews continue to bring the grass fire under control, with motorists asked to avoid the area and plan ahead for their journeys.
Diversions are in place and the service is asking people to minimise travel in the area where possible and plan ahead.
Firefighters will remain on scene to identify and deal with hotspots and continue damping down.
Local residents have been advised to continue to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering homes or businesses.
They are asking people to avoid the area to allow emergency services to respond safely.
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