Investigators look in to cause of electrical substation blaze in Exeter

Hundreds of properties spent hours without power yesterday morning (11 May)

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 12th May 2025

Investigators are looking into what caused a fire which destroyed an electrical substation in Exeter.

Hundreds of properties spent hours without power yesterday morning (11 May).

Around 25 people had to be evacuated from their homes.

Sharing their updates on their website, officers at the fire service said: "Fire control have received several 999 calls reporting a fire within an electrical sub station in the centre of Exeter.

"Two fire engines were initially sent, but on arrival they asked for further assistance, so another 4 have been sent to assist (6 in total). There is also a command support unit from Honiton attending. Crews are currently trying to extinguish the fire and protecting surrounding properties with foam and thermal imaging cameras. Cordons in place."

They then inspected surrounding buildings for fire spread, before later yesterday morning finally scaling back the incident.

Riverside Leisure Centre was being used as a respite centre for displaced residents and to provide information.

And in their final update, added: "The external electrical sub station was destroyed by fire, four adjacent properties affected by fire and heat.

"National Grid in attendance working to restore power. Two crews remain on scene to expose and extinguish hotspots in the roof void of an adjacent property.

"Crews used six sets of breathing apparatus, two foam jets, two hose reel jets and a thermal imaging camera."

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