FIREFIGHTERS cordoned off an area of Brean Beach after a potentially 'hazardous' chemical drum washed up on the beach.

Two fire engines from Burnham-on-Sea, one from Bridgwater and an Environmental Protection with a supporting pump from Taunton were called to the incident after a walker raised the alarm at around 1pm on Saturday (January 12).

Fire crews liaised with Burnham Coastguard to assess the 200 litre container but found it displayed no visible marks or sign of leaking.

The fire service said the barrel was three quarters full and there were no stickers or symbols to indicate what was inside.

As a result firefighters cordoned off an area of the beach as they had concerns the drum could contain a potentially 'dangerous' substance.

A spokesman for Burnham Fire Station said firefighters placed the drum into a protective drum so it could be collected and disposed of by the council.

"As the incident commander couldn’t confirm the substance we had to plan for a dangerous substance," the spokesman said.

"A cordon was put into place - weather, tide and environment were all considered.

"The plan involved placing the drum into a protective drum allowing the council to collect and dispose of.

"A special drum was requested and brought from South Molton Fire station, once in attendance crews used four BA and full PPE to place the drum into the protective drum and hand over to the coastguard to await the collection by the council."

The cordon was lifted at 4pm and emergency services left Brean Beach shortly after.

Following the incident, Burnham Coastguard has issued advice to walkers so they know what to do if they find something potentially dangerous on the beach.

The spokesman said: "Although it looked like a lot of units for a small barrel it does have the potential to be dangerous and any reduction to risk is taken to avoid injury.

"Lots of things wash up along our coastline and not all of it is harmless, there was a litter clean today along Berrow Beach by the amazing volunteers of Litter Free Coast & Sea Somerset that collected lots of plastic waste.

"Our advice if you do find something like this, don't touch it, attempt to move it or view its contents.

"Contact the beach warden if they are around, or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

"Please remember your safety is paramount so don't take any risks."