FIREFIGHTERS from Newton Abbot , Teignmouth and Bovey Tracey, along with colleagues from Torquay, Paignton, Totnes and Ivybridge tackled a large blaze in Abbotskerswell this afternoon (Friday, January 24).

Initially one appliance from Newton Abbot fire station and another from Torquay were mobilised to reports of a vehicle fire just after 2pm.

On arrival crews found one motorhome and one converted camper van well alight with flames issuing from both vehicles. The intensity of the fire meant that it had also spread to the adjacent industrial unit.

A spokesman from Newton Abbot Fire Station said: “The Incident Commander immediately requested a total of six pumps to be sent to the incident, alongside a water bowser due to a poor water supply in the area.

“Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus started tackling the fire, which was increased to four with each using a 51 mm attack jet so that they could put as much water on the fire as possible and hopefully slow down the fire spread.”

A third team in BA kit were tasked with breaking into the unit to see how far the fire had spread and so that they could attack it from another angle. Fortunately the fire had only just breached inside, and crews were able to use a hose reel jet internally to knock back the flames.

Crews had to face a multitude of hazards while fighting the fire including exploding cylinders and tyres, all whilst trying their best to apply water as sparingly as possible, as a constant water supply was being established by other crews.

“The fire was mainly limited to the vehicles of origin, as well as the external facade and cladding of the building,” added the spokesman from Newton Abbot Fire Station.

“This was a testament to how well all the stations worked together to bring the incident to a swift and safe conclusion.”