Newton Abbot firefighters battle large lorry fire on M5 near Exeter

Firefighters from Newton Abbot were called in yesterday, October 15, to assist with a large vehicle fire on the M5 near Exeter, after crews had been tackling the blaze for hours.

Shortly before midday, Danes Castle Fire Station in Exeter and Middlemoor Fire Station were mobilised to reports of an articulated lorry well alight just after junction 30.

Smoke and flames were issuing from the trailer, prompting firefighters in breathing apparatus to use multiple 51mm jets to prevent the fire spreading to the tractor unit.

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As the incident progressed, an aerial ladder platform and a bowser were deployed to provide a steady supply of water from above.

Around 3pm, Newton Abbot crews, alongside colleagues from Bovey Tracey, arrived to relieve those who had been on scene since the start. The teams used a telehandler to remove the load of scrap domestic appliances from the trailer while extinguishing remaining flames and cooling hotspots with additional 51mm jets.

Crews continued to pull apart scrap metal on lanes one and two of the M5 to ensure the fire was fully out and could not reignite.

The incident led to the temporary closure of the M5, causing heavy disruption.

Newton Abbot Fire Service thanked the public for their patience as crews worked to bring the situation under control.