NEWTON Abbot’s firefighters have released a picture of fire crews working overnight to protect the environment after an HGV tipped over.

They took to Facebook to report on the incident that they were called to overnight on Friday.

They report: ‘During the night the EPU (Environmental Protection Unit) and one support appliance from Newton Abbot fire station were mobilised alongside our colleagues from Danes Castle and Middlemoor to reports of an RTC (Road Traffic Collision).

‘Upon the arrival of Middlemoor and Danes Castle, it was quickly apparent that the RTC involved one HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) which had rolled onto its side.

‘The incident occurred while the driver was trying to navigate a roundabout close to Exeter Airport.

‘Thankfully the driver escaped the vehicle unharmed which allowed crews to focus their attention to protecting the environment.

‘The quick thinking action’s of the Exeter based crew saw them utilise soil from the roundabout. This is so that they could start to soak up and slow down the flow of diesel which was leaking from the vehicle’s damaged fuel tank.

‘Upon our arrival in the EPU, crews continued to work with Middlemoor and used large clay Dammit mats to seal the nearby drains to prevent diesel entering the nearby water courses.

‘We also used our blue in colour oil absorbant pads and booms to mop up and help contain the remaining fuel that was leaking from the 450 litre tank.

‘Once the life risk and immediate fire risk had been dealt with, the incident was handed over to the police and highways agency.

‘They continued throughout the night with the remaining clean up and recovery operations so that the road could be reopened as soon as possible.’