FIREFIGHTERS from Newton Abbot have released these dramatic pictures from the huge fire at former council offices in the Sidmouth area.

On their Facebook page they gave an account of their involvement that drew in fire crews from across the county to battle the firethat was still being tended today, Friday, after it broke out shortly after 4am yesterday.

They also shared these images of the fire in the Knowle area where crews from Bovey Tracey, Dawlish and Moretonhampstead were among the many crews who took part in the fight.

Newton’s firefighters report: ‘Yesterday morning at around 0430, one appliance and the EPU (Environmental Protection Unit) from Newton Abbot fire station was mobilised as part of a make pumps 6 and EPU's 1 assistance message. This was due to a large fire that broke out in the Sidmouth area.

‘Whilst en route to the incident, a further assistance message was sent. This requested 8 pumps, 2 ALP's (Aerial Ladder Platform) , 1 HVP ( High Volume Pump), and a multitude of other specialist vehicles and support crews.

‘Upon our arrival, the crews from Newton Abbot were presented with a large derelict building that was well alight and completely engulfed in fire.

In order to be put to the best of our use, crews were split up and utilised in a variety of ways.

‘Some of our crew members were tasked with helping maintain a steady water supply from a variety of hydrants in the local area. This helped provide other crews on the fire ground with a constant supply of water.

‘Other members of the EPU crew had the responsibility of ensuring fire water run-off was kept to a minimum and diverted away from local water sources and drains.

‘This was achieved by creating dams as well as blocking drainage systems. Therefore, allowing water to flow into areas of wasteland.

‘Following on from these tasks, our crews provided a form of wet decontamination to the crews that had been committed into the risk area wearing BA (Breathing Apparatus). This allows us to remove unwanted and hazardous materials from an individual that could cause them health hazards in the future.

‘Our crews were relieved at roughly 11am this morning, and the fire is currently still ongoing. It is currently being tended to by multiple other stations from around the county.’