Property fire
Commercial fire in Tiverton - Final update
We were called to Tiverton Business Park on Lowman Way after receiving several calls from members of the public that four units were affected by fire and the fire was spreading rapidly.
Twelve fire engines plus specialist appliances including an aerial ladder platform and high volume pump were sent to the scene. Police and ambulance colleagues are also in attendance.
The fire is affecting several businesses used for carpet and flooring, piano and building supplies.
A 150-metre cordon has been established for public safety and firefighters are working to prevent the fire from spreading to other units.
Update 3/1/22 20:00
The fire affected a two-storey commercial building divided into three businesses. The first business contained a large quantity of aerosol spray cans, cans of liquid adhesive and eight heavy goods vehicles. It was destroyed by fire. The plumbing business next door was also destroyed by fire. The third business which contained pianos was partially damaged by heat, smoke and water.
A crew remains in place dampening down hotspots and there will be a revisit in the morning.
04/01/2022 14:32
A revisit took place this morning from 1 appliance once on scene the appliance requested the attendance of an Aerial Ladder Platform to assist with extinguishing any further hotspots.
Crews have successfully extinguished all hotspots and the incident has now been handed over to the police.
These are the full and final details.
05/01/2022 12.51 - Devon and Cornwall Police statement
Two arrested in connection to fire
Two people have been arrested in connection with a major fire that took place in Tiverton last weekend.
Police were contacted by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue on the evening of Sunday 2 January, following their attendance to the Tiverton Business Park on Lowman Way, to extinguish a major fire at several industrial properties on the estate.
Officers attended and assisted with putting a cordon in place for public safety and to allow firefighters to work on controlling the fire.
Ambulance also attended but there were no reported injuries.
Following scene investigation work with specialist fire investigators, the fire was believed to have been stared deliberately.
As a result of enquiries, a 43-year-old man from Ilfracombe and a 38-year-old woman from Barnstaple were arrested on suspicion of arson. Both have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Officers are keen to speak with anybody who may have been in the vicinity of the industrial estate on the evening of the incident, in particular a group of youths who may have been passing through at the time.
Anyone with any information they feel may assist with the investigation are asked to contact DS Simon Andrews at Tiverton CID on 101 or 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/000781/22.