Woman treated for smoke inhalation after fire at petrol station led to warning to keep doors and windows closed

Fire crews have also given an up update about a separate suspicious fire yesterday too

A generic image of Devon & Somerset fire crews in action
Author: Andrew KayPublished 23rd Sep 2024

A fire yesterday in North Devon - which led to people being urged to keep their doors and windows shut - was started accidentally.

Fire crews have given an update after a van caught alight in Woolacombe, with the flames spreading to the shop in a petrol station forecourt in Moretoe at about midday.

South Western Ambulance Service were also called to the incident, treating one woman at the scene for smoke inhalation.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset's fire service confirmed just before 10pm last night: "The building consisted of two floors and the first floor and roof space were severely damaged by fire.

"The fire was contained within the retail building.

"Crews used six breathing apparatus, one aerial ladder platform, four hose reel jets, one ladder, two jets, a thermal imaging camera and a fog spike.

"The cause of the fire was believed to be accidental."

Fire crews from Braunton, Barnstaple, Taunton, Combe Martin, North Tawton, Woolacombe and Bideford Fire Stations all attended.

Before that fire crews were called to a vehicle on fire in Crewkerne, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

The fire was extinguished in the early hours of Sunday.