Giant fire engulfs Newton Abbot warehouse

This afternoon, Newton Abbot fire station's crews responded to a large industrial fire in Heathfield with eight fire pumps, two Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALPs), and two water bowsers.

It was reported by locals that the fire could be seen and smelt for miles around. 

Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and fire from the roof of a vehicle workshop. Due to the danger from exploding cylinders and structural collapse, a defensive approach was adopted. The ALPs were used as water towers to fight the fire from above, while ground monitors maintained water flow to the fire.

Relief crews with Breathing Apparatus (BA) entered the building to damp down hotspots. Firefighters will remain on-site through the night to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

A spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said: "This afternoon, both appliances from Newton Abbot fire station were mobilised as part of a "make pumps 8, ALP's 2 (Aireal Ladder Platform) and water bowsers 2", in order to provide back up for a large industrial fire in Heathfield.

"Upon arrival of the first attending crews, a large quantity of smoke and fire was issuing from the roof of the vehicle workshop. Due to a variety of significant hazards, including well alight and exploding cylinders, as well as the structure collapsing, the decision was made to fight the fire defensively.

"Both ALP's were pitched, un-crewed, above the building, and were used as water towers to cascade water onto the fire from above. Multiple ground monitors were also put in place around the building so that water could be applied to the fire whilst maintaining firefighter safety.

"Upon our departure, relief crews wearing BA (Breathing Apparatus) were being utilised to enter the building in order to damp down the hotspots that remained. Crews will be on scene throughout the night in order to ensure the fire is fully extinguished."