Two camper vans and two commercial vehicles were severely damaged on a fire at a storage yard in Buckfastleigh, today (Thursday)

Fire Control received reports of a motorhome on fire at 11.25am

A spokesperson reports: ‘Three fire appliances from Buckfastleigh,  Ashburton and Totnes were sent to the location. 

‘Upon arrival crews confirmed fire within a yard involving two camper vans and two commercial vans. 

‘Crews extinguished the fire using the following equipment: six breathing apparatus, two ground monitors, one hose reel jet, one thermal image camera and one double extension ladder.

‘The vehicles were severely damaged by fire and the cause was accidental.’

Buckfastleigh Fire Station later said on Facebook: ‘On arrival we were met with a gas cylinder which was inside one of the motor homes becoming involved which rapidly escalated the incident.

‘The officer in charge had two ground monitors setup and had crews retreat to a place of safety until we were able to Don four sets of breathing apparatus and fight the fire.

‘Due to possible contaminated water running off the fire we also used environmental protection equipment on the drains to prevent contaminants entering the local water courses.

‘Thank you to neighbouring properties for closing all doors and windows for the duration of the incident and thank you to all drivers who patiently waited and then drove over our hose protection ramps in a slow and careful manner.’