Major blaze on Marsh Barton

Firefighters have been battling a major blaze in Exeter overnight.

The alarm was raised at Devon Contract Waste, Marsh Barton Road, shortly before 11pm yesterday (Wednesday).

Below is the fire service report of the incident:

A fire engine from Danes Castle in Exeter was sent to a report of the alarm system operating at 10.56.

On arrival the crew reported smoke and flames issuing from the building and requested a further 2 fire engines attend.  These were sent from Danes Castle and Topsham.  Shortly after requesting the additional 2 fire engines an aerial ladder platform was also requested, this was sent from Danes Castle also.

A keyholder for the premises was requested to attend as the crews could not gain access into the building.  2 more fire engines were requested to attend due to the rapid development of the fire and the need for additional crew power.  These were sent from Middlemoor and Exmouth along with an incident command unit from Totnes due to the amount of resources that would be in attendance.

The crews confirmed the building was well alight and that they were working using 6 breathing apparatus wearers, 2 hose reel jets and 3 45mm jets.

At 23:52 the incident was escalated to 15 fire engines as well as special appliances.

Shortly after at 00:04 the incident was escalated to a total of 20 fire engines as well as 3 aerial ladder platforms, an incident command unit, an environmental protection unit, 2 water bowsers, a high volume pump and various specialist officers.

Update 03:00 hrs - There has been a partial collapse of the building, crews are at work using 3 Aerial Ladder Platforms, 1 High Volume Pump. Western Power are in attendance trying to isolate an electricity sub station connected to the building. A 10 pump relief crew has been organised with appliances for across Devon and Somerset attending.

Update 06:20 hrs - 66% of the roof has now collapsed into the main building.  Breathing apparatus has been discontinued and currently at work are 4 ground monitors and a high volume pump which is supplying the aerial ladder platforms in use.  The incident is shortly to be scaled down to 10 fire engines along with the various specialist appliances that are in attendance.

Update 09:17 hrs - incident has been scaled back to 6 fire engines at work, 3 Aerial Ladder Platforms and 1 Manitou backed up by High Volume Pumps and hydrants.

Update 10:15 hrs -  continuing to make good progress, still at work in 3 sectors. Crews at work with Manitou removing sheeting panels to gain access to hot spots.

Update 13:37 hrs - Incident scaled down to 2 sectors, continuing to make good progress damping down.

* Pictures courtesy of Exeter City Council