Thatched roof collapses as crews tackle fire in East Devon
Teams received the 999 call at 12.33am today (Tuesday 21 December)
Last updated 21st Dec 2021
Firefighters have been working through the night to tackle a blaze in East Devon.
The thatched roof has collapsed at the property in Woodbury Salterton - Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say all people are accounted for.
Teams were first called at 12.33am and are expected to remain on the scene for some time.
The statement from the fire service said:
"At 0034 this morning we received a 999 call reporting a thatched roof on fire on a domestic property in Woodbury Salterton.
"Eight fire engines and several specialist vehicles were sent. On arrival crews confirmed that the roof was well alight and requested a further 4 fire engines to assist.
"Crews are currently using:
- Main jets
- Hose reel jets
- Foam jets
- Breathing apparatus
- Ladders
"Crews will be in attendance for some time and further updates will follow.
"Update 0410 - Crews have confirmed that the roof of this property has now collapsed. All persons are accounted for.
"Update 0600 - This incident has been scaled back to 5 fire engines.
"Update 0730 - We currently have 5 fire engines and an aerial ladder platform still in attendance. Crews are damping down.
"Update 0745 - Incident now scaled down to 2 fire engines."
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Watch Manager Lang Dell tells us at its largest they had "up to 15 fire appliances including aerial ladder".
He adds that crews have managed to stop it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
An update at 7.45am says the incident has been scaled back to two fire engines.
Attending stations included Okehampton, Torquay, Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Dawlish, Danes Castle, Exmouth, Crediton, Cullompton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, Clyst St George, Middlemoor, Wellington and Martock.