A CAR has been completely destroyed by fire on the M5 near Exminster.

Firefighters from Danes Castle and Middlemoor were called to deal with the ferocious flames late yesterday evening, Wednesday.

Fire Control reports: 'Two fire appliances from our Exeter stations at Danes Castle and Middlemoor were mobilised after control received multiple calls to a car on fire on the M5 Northbound carriageway between J31Pearces Hill and J30 Sandygate. 

‘On arrival crews confirmed the car was well alight on the hard shoulder and set to work extinguishing it.

‘In the meantime Fire Control requested Police and the Highways Agency to assist with traffic management for safety and they were soon in attendance.

‘Crews worked well to bring the fire under control, confirming at 18:56hrs that the fire was extinguished using two breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet, followed by a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots.

‘Duty of care was left with the driver and police awaiting recovery.

‘The car was completely destroyed but luckily there were no casualties.’

Advice from Middlemoor Fire Station

In the event of your vehicle breaking down please keep in mind the following advice from National Highways ‘Move into the left lane. Enter the next emergency area, or hard shoulder. Put your hazard lights on. Get behind a safety barrier where there is one - keep well away from moving traffic.’

For tips on what to do if your car catches fire please see the link below where we have some useful advice.