A3102 remains closed as firefighters from four counties tackle manor house inferno

The A3102 remains closed as firefighters continue to tackle a manor house inferno.

Emergency services were called to ten-bedroom Nonsuch House in Westbrook, east of Melksham, shortly before 7pm yesterday evening (17 February).

Following the 999 calls about the fire and an initial assessment by the first fire crew on scene, 19 fire appliances – including an aerial ladder platform – were deployed.

Fire vehicles lined the A3102, resulting in its closure at around 8pm. The road remains closed this morning (18 February) as firefighters from four counties continue to deal with the incident.

Closures are understood to be in place between Melksham and the A342 Devizes Road.

Fire crews from Wiltshire, Somerset, Hampshire and Gloucestershire are all at the scene.

“We have reduced our attendance at this incident overnight”, a Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) spokesperson announced at 7am.

Adding: “There are approx 20 firefighters on scene and the A3102 remains closed while we deal with this incident.

“A fire investigation into the cause will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.”

In a full statement last night, DWFRS said: “At 6.59pm this evening (17^th February) our Service Control Centre received the first of multiple 999 calls to report a property fire in Westbrook near Bromham.

”Initially crews were dispatched to the incident from Calne and Melksham.

“Firefighters quickly requested support and we currently have 15 fire engines, three water carriers and an aerial ladder platform at this incident (approx. 75 firefighters).

”Crews are dealing with a significant fire in a large property.

“The A3102 has been closed and will remain closed overnight while we deal with this incident.

“At this stage it is not known how the fire started. A full fire investigation will be undertaken once the incident is under control.”