Property fire

Fire control received a few calls regarding a fire in the thatch roof of a property at the above location. 8 fire appliances were immediately mobilised along with a water bowser, aerial ladder platform, a command unit, a welfare unit, and several supporting fire officers.

Crews immediately confirmed that the thatch roof was well alight and got to work extinguishing. A request for a further two appliances was quickly received and mobilised from the above stations. This was then increased for a further four fire appliances to attend bringing the total to 14 as well as an environmental protection unit.

Update 23:15 - The incident has been sectorised for better management of resources and firefighters. Currently we are using the following equipment:

• 1 hose reel jet
• 3 main jets
• 9 breathing apparatus
• 2 thermal imaging cameras
• Lighting
• Aerial ladder platform

Update 23:00 - Crews have requested the attendance of 2 further Water Bowsers which were mobilised from Torquay and Plympton the High Volume Pump for our USAR station. Crews have confirmed 3 houses with roof space and thatch well alight. Crews are working in 2 sectors using equipment as mentioned above. 

There are many fire appliances and resources within the village of Drewsteignton and the public are advised to avoid the area were possible while firefighting activities take place. The residents of the area are also advised to close their windows and doors to protect themselves from the smoke plume.

Update 04:00 - A 9 appliance relief strategy is now in place and crews are making steady progress.

Update 08:00 - The incident has been scaled back to 5 fire appliances are continuing to make good progress stripping away the remaining thatch to ensure there is no fire spread.

Update 14:00

Four pumping appliances plus specialist appliances at the scene. An aerial ladder platform is being used to dampen hotspots. 

Update 16:00

Relief for crews have now been undertaken - Four pumping appliances, 1 x water carrier and an aerial ladder platform still in attendance at this incident.

Update 08:41

Further update with the full and final informative

Thatched building consisting of three cottages used as domestic properties measuring 60m x 15m.  Equipment used one hose reel jet, two main jets, ten breathing apparatus, two thermal imaging cameras, aerial ladder platform, high volume pump, compressed air foam, water bowsers, working at height eqpt and ladders.  The cause of the fire was accidental.

The incident has now been scaled down to one fire engine and one aerial ladder platform.  Crews continuing to dampen down hotspots with the aerial ladder platform and steady progress is being made.