Police launch hunt for suspects in Locking Farm Industrial Estate Fire

Avon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have confirmed that after investigation the fire was started deliberately

A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said:

“We are appealing for witnesses and anybody with information following a large fire on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of a large grass fire near Locking Farm Industrial Estate, which broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning (Tuesday 18 August).  

A number of fire crews from across North Somerset and Bristol attended the scene of the fire at around 3am and contained the incident before leaving the scene at around 5.45pm, when the A371 Locking Road was reopened.

Several businesses have been severely impacted by the fire, which engulfed two industrial units.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is in its early stages. Several lines of enquiry are being followed, and a number of high visibility reassurance patrols will be carried out in the coming days, and residents are encouraged to approach officers to discuss any concerns they may have. 

We are now appealing to anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously on or near the A371, or anything unusual in the area, between 2am-3am on Tuesday to come forward.

Photo: AMH Electrical Services

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Andy Barry said:“We understand incidents like this are a huge concern locally and nationally following recent incidents during an extended period of hot and dry weather, and an investigation into the full circumstances is in its early stages but appropriate action will be taken against anyone found to have committed criminal offences.

“It was fortunate nobody was seriously harmed during this incident, and members of the public should expect to see an increased presence in the area while enquiries continue.

“During periods of exceptionally hot weather we have been experiencing, fires in dry fields can burn incredibly quickly, resulting in serious damage, injury, or even death.

“We would urge any witnesses, those with information, or any CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage, to contact us to assist with our enquiries.”

Anybody who can assist with our investigation is urged to call us on 101 quoting 5226232390 or complete our online appeals form.”

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded, and you will not go to court nor must speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.

A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 3.03am on Tuesday, August 18, crews from Weston, Yatton, Clevedon, Portishead, Southmead, Blagdon, Avonmouth, Kingswood, Yate, Temple, Bedminster and Chew Magna fire stations were mobilised to a large grass fire that affected commercial premises near Locking Farm Industrial Estate, Weston-super-Mare.

"Crews extinguished the fire using high-volume pumps, 45mm hose jets and grass beaters, with support from a turntable ladder and drone team.

"A section of the A371 was temporarily closed but has now fully reopened.

"A fire investigation has established that the fire was started deliberately, and the incident was handed over to Avon and Somerset Police."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued advice on how to cope with the risks of wildfires, which can be found here: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/14/why-severe-wildfires-are-becoming-more-frequent-in-the-uk-and-how-to-cope-with-the-health-ri