'Large amount of black smoke' after thatch fire in Drewsteignton
Residents are urged to keep doors and windows closed
Firefighters are tackling a blaze involving the thatch roof of a property in a Devon village.
Crews have been in Drewsteignton overnight - and remain on the scene this morning (18 March).
People are being told to avoid the area - and residents asked to close their windows and doors.
In their latest update - at 4AM - they confirmed 'a 9 appliance relief strategy is now in place and crews are making steady progress' - with a number of fire engines still on the scene.
They're reminding the public to avoid the area if you can.
This all started at 8.43PM last night, when fire control received a few calls about the blaze - with eight engines from across the region immediately mobilised.
They were joined with a water bowser, aerial ladder platform, command unit, welfare unit, and several supporting fire officers.
We're told crews immediately confirmed that the thatch roof was well alight and got to work extinguishing.
Bosses add that a request for a further two appliances was quickly received and mobilised, which was was then increased for a further four fire appliances to attend bringing the total to 14 as well as an environmental protection unit.