Roof collapses during large bungalow fire

Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were called after a derelict bungalow in Newton Abbot was engulfed in flames

Reporter:

Jim Parker

25 Aug 2025 2:35 PM

Email:

jim.parker@clearskypublishing.co.uk

Three fire appliances - two from Torquay and one from Newton Abbot - tackled a blaze at a derelict bungalow in Newton.

They were first alerted to a roof fire in the Milber area but on arrival the crews were met with a bungalow that was completely engulfed in flames with smoke and fire issuing from all areas of the building and through the roof.

The Incident Commander) made the decision to request a total of six pumps and an Aerial Ladder Platform to attend so that an effective attack could be made on the fire.

About 10 minutes into the incident, the roof collapsed into the property, therefore making the building too dangerous for firefighters to enter. As a result the crews split up and surrounded the property, taking with them a number of 51 mm attack jets and hose reels to tackle the fire so that the flames could be brought under control.

Once the ALP arrived on scene, they pitched their ladder above the bungalow and used the monitor to flood the building from above. This tactic allowed thousands of litres of water to be applied directly onto the worst areas of the fire, whilst keeping crews as safe as possible.

Following this, it was deemed safe enough for the crews to enter the property. Several firefighters went inside the building and used additional hose reel jets as well as ceiling hooks, halligan bars, sledge hammers and a variety of other tools so that they could expose what little remained of the property to ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

Newton Abbot fire station, who took these photos, said: "Thankfully this property has been derelict for a number of years and as a result, nobody was injured."

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