A home on the A420 has been completely destroyed in a dramatic early morning fire.
Around 40 firefighters battled the flames at a bungalow in North Wraxall, west of Chippenham, following an emergency call shortly before 6am today (Saturday).
Eight fire crews from Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Bath, Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge were deployed to the scene.
Further support was sought, with Devizes sending a command unit, Royal Wootton Bassett attending in a water carrier and Swindon with the aerial ladder platform.
Despite the ferocious fire, the occupant of the property managed to escape – with a neighbour taking them to safety as emergency services responded.
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown. An investigation will take place once the flames are out and specially trained fire officers can make safe access.
In a statement earlier, a spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to North Wraxall at 5.58am this morning (31 January) for a well developed fire in a bungalow adjacent to the A420.
“At the height of the incident, crews were in attendance from Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Bath (x2), Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge, together with a support vehicle from Devizes, a water carrier from Royal Wootton Bassett, and an aerial ladder platform (ALP) from Swindon – approx. 40 firefighters.
“The occupant of the property was safely with a neighbour when crews arrived.
“Two breathing apparatus wearers, a hose reel jet and a main jet have been in use, with the ALP used as a water tower and to allow roof tiles to be stripped away.
“As at 10am, the incident was being scaled back to two fire engines, the ALP and the water carrier.
“The road will likely remain closed until firefighting activity has ceased.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted when it is safe to do so.”
