Vehicle fire

Control mobilised four fire engines and a water bowser following a number of calls reporting a Lorry fire on the A38 between Haldon and Harcombe Cross. Upon arrival crews confirmed that there were flames issuing, and requested that a local Environmental Protection Unit also be mobilised due to a small oil leak.

Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire in the tractor unit, and are continuing to empty the cargo from the container to extinguish the fire burning within. Due to the smoke that was also being emitted from the container, crews were using a lot of breathing apparatus and so two further appliances were requested which came from Middlemoor and Ashburton.

17:15 - all crews have now left the scene. The 44 tonne articulated lorry was severely damaged by fire. The tractor unit was 90% damaged by fire and the trailer unit 20% damaged by fire and heat. The burnt contents have been removed and a salvage team still in attendance removing the goods. One lane of the highway still remains closed.