Fire crews tackle blaze at derelict building in Seaton

Teams were called to the Harepath Hill area

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 24th Oct 2023
Last updated 24th Oct 2023

Fire crews have been tackling a blaze involving a derelict building in Seaton.

Teams from 13 different stations attended the scene in the Harepath Hill area yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 October).

Updates from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website say:

"At 16:26 - Crews confirmed that smoke and flames were issuing and requested for a 4th appliance to attend - Fire engine from Otter St Mary was mobilised.

"At 16:44 - Crews are at work with 2x main Jets and 1x hose reel jet

"At 16:56 - Crew request the attendance of additional 2 fire engines and 1 aerial ladder platform - 2x fire engines from Sidmouth and aerial ladder platform from Danes Castle was mobilised. Crews are at work with 2x breathing apparatus, 1x main jet and 1x safety jet.

"At 17:10 - Crew request the attendance of a second water carrier - this was mobilised from Torquay

"At 17:37 - Currently at this incident we have 6 x fire engines, 1 x water carrier, 1x command unit and 3x fire officers on scene, with 1x water carrier, 1x aerial ladder platform and 1x welfare unit proceeding to incident.

"At 18:31 - Officers in charge of the incident made a further request for additional pumps making the total up to 9 pumping appliances on scene and also the Environmental Protection Unit was mobilised to provide decontamination for firefighters on scene.

"The Fire Service drone was also requested to provide additional visibility on the scene to improve firefighting decision making. The fire has been brought under control and crews are dealing with different sectors including a decontamination sector.

"At 20:39 - The incident has now been scaled down allowing a controlled burn to take place until the fire reaches a natural break then reduced firefighting will recommence.

"Overnight fire crews have continued to cool the boundary using an Aerial Ladder Platform a water wall and one main jet.

"The incident has been scaled down to 3 pumps and crews are still damping down."

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