Road closed as firefighters tackle large grass fire

A road has been closed as firefighters tackle a large grass fire near an industrial estate.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called to the fire near Locking Farm Industrial Estate in Weston-super-Mare at 03:03 BST on Tuesday morning.

The fire service said the A371, which is shut from The Runway to Banwell Road, is expected to remain closed throughout the morning, with motorists asked to avoid the area and plan ahead for their journeys.

"Smoke continues to affect the area, and local residents should keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering homes or businesses," it said.

"The incident is ongoing and crews are expected to remain at the scene for some time," it added.

The fire service said crews from Weston, Yatton, Clevedon, Portishead, Southmead, Blagdon, Avonmouth, Kingswood, Yate, Temple, Bedminster, and Chew Magna were in attendance, with Avon and Somerset Police also assisting with road closures.

Nick Sumption lives across the road from the fire and told BBC Radio Bristol: "Once I realised the size of the fire, I started having a bit of a panic.

"Fortunately, it didn't cross the road but if the wind had changed we could have been in trouble," he added.

Sumption said it looked like the fire had now been contained but there was still smoke in the area.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.