Gritter Lorry Blaze Closes A361 Near Glastonbury
The A361 near Glastonbury remains closed as fire crews respond to a blaze involving a gritter lorry. The incident occurred close to Millfield Prep School, with Somerset Council confirming the vehicle affected is one of their own.
Somerset is currently experiencing a rare red heat alert, with temperatures forecasted to reach up to 37°C, according to the Met Office. In response to the extreme heat, the council has deployed gritting lorries, typically used during cold weather, to spread dust on road surfaces prone to softening under traffic in high temperatures.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) confirmed that the driver escaped the vehicle safely.
Millfield Prep School remains open and has confirmed it was not impacted by the fire.
Fire Service Response
DSFRS dispatched two fire engines and a water carrier to the scene after receiving the call at 08:17 BST.
"Crews are using breathing apparatus and water jets primarily to protect the nearby building,"
the service added.
Recent Related Incidents
This incident follows a similar event the previous day when a bin lorry caught fire in Minehead. The fire was caused by waste material igniting, reportedly started by a battery catching fire. Minehead fire station confirmed that two crews attended the small blaze involving domestic waste.
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and Further Reading
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