Firefighters from across Devon called to HUGE blaze at block of flats in Plymouth
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue has reports of people still inside in the Stonehouse area
Last updated 26th Jun 2022
Firefighters from across Devon have spent the morning battling a huge blaze at a five-storey block of flats in Plymouth.
It broke out in the basement of a building in the Stonehouse area on Sunday morning (26th June).
Initially, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue had reports of people still inside - but have since confirmed that no-one was found inside.
Police have confirmed residents had to be evacuated but, luckily, there were no casualties.
Crews from Greenbank and Camels Head responded to the first call, before requesting back-up from Plymstock, Crownhill, Totnes, Yelverton, Plympton and Ivybridge.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service say the blaze is now out, but emergency services and investigators remain at the scene.
They said: "This morning fire control took numerous calls to a flat on fire with possible persons still inside the property in the Stonehouse area of Plymouth. Control mobilised two fire appliances from Greenbank and one fire appliance from Camels Head along with an officer.
"Within three minutes of the first crews arriving on scene, crews confirmed one flat well alight and they requested a fourth appliance for additional resources and personnel. This was mobilised from Plymstock.
"10 minutes later, crews confirmed there was a well developed fire in a basement flat and crews were using four BA, three Hose Reel Jets, one Safety Jet and small tools. Crews also requested a fifth appliance for additional personnel which was mobilised from Crownhill. The incident command unit from Totnes and additional officers were also sent upon this request".
At 5.20am they added: "Fire in basement flat of five-storey building was spreading to ground floor flat and due to the large scale incident, the incident was split into two sectors. two BA, three Hose Reel Jets, one safety jet and two TICs were in use".
At 5.24am Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue said: "Control received a 'Make Pumps 7' request from scene for additional personnel. These were mobilised from Yelverton and Plympton along with the welfare unit from Ivybridge.
"Crews have completed a full search of all flats and confirmed there was no one within any of the flats. They've confirmed the fire is now extinguished and are wearing BA to dampen down hotspots using four BA and two TICs".
The latest update at 8am said: "There is now a two pump relief on scene and BA has now been discontinued. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed and a Fire Investigator is on scene.
"Caroline Place is closed between Miller Court and Stonehouse Street so there may be some local congestion on the roads".