Fire crews battle blaze in disused Exeter building
Remaining crews are continuing to clear smoke from the structure
A significant firefighting operation unfolded in Exeter last night (17 November) after multiple emergency calls reported a fire inside a disused building.
Three fire engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform were initially dispatched to the scene, where crews arrived to find smoke issuing from the structure.
Firefighters assessed the situation and requested two additional engines to support efforts to bring the blaze under control.
Wearing breathing apparatus, crews entered the building and began tackling the fire using a hose reel jet, a safety jet, a thermal imaging camera, and a 135 ladder.
As conditions inside became more challenging, another two fire engines were mobilised to provide further personnel and resources.
Firefighters used a combination of the Aerial Ladder Platform, small tools, hose reel jets, safety jets and breathing apparatus to extinguish multiple seats of fire within the building.
The coordinated response continued late into the night as crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading further.
Update this morning:
At 00:37, the fire service confirmed that some appliances had begun leaving the scene.
Remaining crews are continuing to clear smoke from the structure and are using a thermal imaging camera to monitor temperatures and ensure all hotspots are fully extinguished.
The affected section of the building has suffered 25% fire damage and 100% smoke damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.