AROUND 20 firefighters rushed to a recycling centre in Taunton to tackle a blaze.

The cause of the fire at Priorswood Recycling Centre is so far being listed as 'undetermined'.

Pictures from the scene show the damage caused by the blaze, which took an hour for the firefighters to put out at around 8.30pm last night (July 18).

It's thought the two damaged machines are worth around £250,000 each.


READ MORE: Updates from the fire at Priorswood Recycling Centre as it happened.


A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Three fire engines from Taunton, one from Bridgwater and the water carrier from Bridgwater attended a fire at a recycling centre in Taunton.

"The fire involved two composters and mounds of compost.

"On arrival crews got to work with two main jets, one hose reel jet, four breathing apparatus, a triple extension ladder and a thermal imaging camera.

"Police were requested to attend due to the nature of the incident.

"The fire was extinguished by crews, and duty of care was left with the keyholder.

"Two large composting machines were damaged in the incident.

"The cause of the fire was undetermined."

The centre will be open as normal this morning.

A spokesman for Somerset Waste Partnership said: “The swift and efficient work of the fire service meant this incident was dealt with within minutes, and no member of the public or site staff was ever at risk.

"The cause will be investigated and addressed.

"Taunton Recycling Centre will be open as usual today 9am to 6pm.”