Barbican: inferno response 'scaled back' as blaze is extinguished
Crews are returning to the scene this morning
The emergency service response to a huge blaze in Plymouth has been scaled back, Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed.
They said overnight that road closures have now 'largely lifted', whilst a lane closure remains in Vauxhall Street.
It comes as fire crews issued an update at midnight into the incident which saw an inferno ripping through the block of flats.
They confirmed that the blaze is now out - and will be coming back to the scene this morning (29/5).
In a statement, they said: "This has been a very protracted incident but the fire has now been extinguished and all crews have come away from the fireground.
"A revisit was planned for 2330hrs but a member of the public called in at around 2240hrs concerned they could see flames. We mobilised one fire appliance from our Greenbank fire station to attend.
"Fortunately this turned out be reflections on a window pane. A thorough check was carried out.
"There was no fire and temperatures were monitored and confirmed to be ambient.
"Whilst there are no appliances on scene at this time and the fire is out, this incident remains open and therefore final details will follow when known/complete. Another revisit is scheduled for the morning."
The local Plymouth Veterans and Family Hub confirmed they were staying open to help anyone who had been impacted.
On Facebook, they said: "The hub remains open this evening supporting the residents of Vauxhall street after a fire tore through their homes earlier this evening.
"As far as we know everyone is safe and being looked after at Improving Lives Plymouth City Centre Wellbeing Hub."
The Fire Service have confirmed the extent of the damage.
They said that the blaze broke out at a 4-storey block of flats, and at the peak of the incident, they had 10 fire appliances, together with supporting appliances and officers from 4 Plymouth Stations, Ivybridge, Yelverton, Ashburton, Tavistock and Honiton, together with assistance from Saltash and Liskeard.
Everyone had either evacuated prior to their arrival or been accounted for - and there were no casualties.
Plymouth Community Homes and the Police were required to attend to assist with rehoming residents and manage crowds/the public.