EIGHT fire units responded to reports of an explosion at a potato supplier near Ilminster last night. The Devon and Somerset Fire Services arrived at Branston Potatoes, in Seavington St Michael at 19.53 on Thursday night after receiving a call reporting a fire and explosion. One fire appliance from Ilminster was joined by two fire appliances from Martock and one from Crewkerne. Also attending the explosion were a gas detector from Yeovil, an incident command vehicle from Ilminster, the incident support unit from Yeovil and a water carrier from Yeovil. On arrival, they discovered a chiller refrigeration unit outside the main building which was issuing smoke. The area was investigated and one hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus wearers confirmed that the fire was extinguished. Twenty percent of the unit was damaged by the fire which is believed to be accidental.
