Fire forces evacuation of Plymouth flats
Elderly residents escape to safety
A significant fire broke out in a block of flats on Hospital Road, Plymouth, leading to the evacuation of residents, including 30 elderly individuals.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue were called to the scene where flames were reportedly coming from the window of a first-floor flat in a four-storey building.
Eight fire appliances were dispatched to tackle the blaze, and seven people were rescued from various flats by fire crews.
Two of those rescued were brought down to safety using a ladder, while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus aided the others.
The flat where the fire originated was destroyed, and the first-floor communal area suffered fire damage and significant smoke damage.
Two additional communal areas were affected by smoke.
Crews employed water jets and 16 breathing apparatus wearers during the operation to control the fire.
Police closed the road while the fire was being dealt with.
A fire investigation is underway.