FLOWING rivers of burning wax, advancing flames, and a reported mile-high plume of smoke was the result of a massive fire - one of the largest the area has ever seen.

Workers ran for their lives after fire broke out at the Bolsius UK Candle Factory at Isleport Business Park, Highbridge.

The Mercury printed the below in the edition of June 27, 1995.

FRIGHTENED workers ran for their lives yesterday morning as 50-foot flames devastated a factory on Sedgemoor’s prestige Isleport Business Park in Highbridge.

A mile-high smoke plume covered Highbridge and Parts of Burnham within minutes of the blaze breaking out at the Bolsius UK candle factory just after 10.30am.

More than 100 firefighters tackled the huge fire, thought to be one of the biggest in the area in living memory. Two firemen collapsed and had to be treated for the effects of heat exhaustion, but nobody else was injured.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze was underway as the Mercury went to press.

Horrified onlookers watched rivers of flaming wax flow across the car park area as flames leapt into the air from the blazing single-storey factory while firefighters headed for the scene.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

The huge pillar of smoke coming from the factory was seen for miles around. Photographer Jeff Searle took this dramatic picture from Puriton Hill

And the workers tried desperately to drive their cats away from the advancing flames. At least two cars were damaged.

A total of 15 fire crews from as far away as Frome, Martock and South Avon took around two hours to bring the flames under control in the factory building and an adjoining office block.

They used a total of eight main jets and high-pressure water monitor to beat back the blaze.

With back-up from water tankers and emergency units they managed to stop the fire spreading to nearby industrial units.

Plans were laid for evacuation of the while Isleport area, following fears that a gas fired steam generator in the burning building would explode.

But large crowds of onlookers built up on the edge of the estate and around the railway bridge vantage point in Market Street after the danger passed.

It was well into the afternoon before firefighters could enter the twisted and smouldering remains of the main factory.

And managers of neighbouring units were also yesterday believed to be counting the cost of heat damage to their buildings.

Somerset’s Chief Fire Officer Paul Young rushed to Highbridge when the alarm was raised, to take overall control of the massive firefighting operation.

“The building was occupied when the fire broke out, but everyone managed to escape unharmed,” he told the Mercury as the battle to beat the flames went on.

“Two of my firefighters collapsed with heat exhaustion and were taken to hospital for treatment – fortunately they are now recovered.”

Bolsius Candles UK commissioned the new production plant and offices at Isleport early last year.

Yesterday’s blaze has put a huge question mark over the future of the 40-50 workers at the plant.”