Large blaze on Marsh Barton in Exeter

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a call from a passer-by reporting thick black smoke and alarms sounding at an industrial premesis in Alphin Brook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter 5.32am today (MONDAY).

Two fire appliances from Danes castle and one from Middlemoor were immediately mobilised with a local officer.

Fire control started making cover moves in the area.

The initial caller then confirmed smoke and flames issuing from the rear of the commercial premises.

The local officer was first in attendance and very quickly requested six fire appliances attended this location as well as an aerial ladder platform and a water bowser.

The force HQ report is as follows:

Fire control mobilised the additional resources, put more cover moves in place and sent further specialist vehicles such as the command support vehicle from Honiton.

Update 06:06 - Two personnel wearing breathing apparatus have been committed to the affected property with a hose reel jet.

Update 06:12 - The incident is now sectorised, and good progress is being made.

Update 06:57 - There are now eight personnel wearing breathing apparatus and crews are using four main jets and one hose reel jet to tackle the fire.

Update 07:02 - The number of breathing apparatus sets in use has been reduced to four. Crews are using hydraulic rescue equipment to gain entry. Five main jets are in use and one hose reel jet.

A multi-agency meeting has taken place between Fire, Police and Ambulance.

Update 08:58 - Building of 2 floors, 30m x 20m, used as a power tool retail commercial property, fire involving palletised boxed tools, 15% of ground floor damaged by direct burning, the remainder damaged by smoke and water, 100% of first floor affected by smoke. 10 BA now discontinued, 2 PPV fans, 2 TICs, 2 x 105 ladders, 2 safety jets, 2 x 45mm jets, 2 x HRJs used.

Accidental cause.