Busy night for Devon fire crews as derelict building sets alight
A large response was called to Seaton - and remained until mid-morning
It's been a busy twelve hours for fire crews in Devon - who were called to two incidents overnight.
In the first incident, Fire control received multiple calls to a garage fire in Plymouth.
Three pumping appliances were mobilised, and we're told that crews used 2 main jets to extinguish the fire.
Whilst in Seaton, a number of crews remained until the mid-morning, and a road remains closed, after a derelict building caught fire.
Axminster Fire Station reported how a building at Seaton Heights, near the top of Seaton Down Hill, has been badly damaged.
Crews from six towns were called out after reports quickly confirmed the building was well alight. Teams worked through the night using water bowsers and heavy rescue kit to tackle the flames and keep the area safe.
Devon and Cornwall Police managed road closures while firefighters worked in sectors, with relief crews called in as the operation continued past nine o'clock this morning.
In their statement on Facebook, they said: "Public reporting a fire at Seaton Heights, just off the A3052 at the top of Seaton Down Hill. Further calls quickly confirmed that the building was well alight.
"Fire Control initially mobilised crews from Seaton, Colyton, and Axminster to attend. En route, crews monitored first-impression radio messages, which confirmed a building fully involved in fire.
"Upon arrival, Seaton crews sent a priority message requesting the Middlemoor Heavy Rescue Tender to assist with the removal of interlocking concrete blocks.
"A further priority message was sent to make up for one Water Bowser, which was mobilised from Bridport, followed by a request to make pumps up to five, resulting in additional appliances from Lyme Regis and Sidmouth. This escalation also triggered the mobilisation of the Incident Command Unit from Honiton.
"Axminster crews arrived and took over as the main pumping appliance, with Seaton operating water shuttles until the Bridport Water Bowser was in attendance.
"The incident ground was divided into sectors, and crews fought the fire using four 45mm attack jets, later increased to six at the height of operations.
"Devon & Cornwall Police were in attendance to manage road closures and support scene safety.
"Once the fire was brought under reasonable control and operations shifted to locating and extinguishing hotspots, relief crews from Crewkerne and Ottery St Mary were mobilised to replace the initial five pumps.
"Our crew returned home station after 9am."