FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to tackle a blaze which broke out at an Exmouth shop shortly after midday. Around eight appliances were called to attend the incident at Bargains Galore, in The Parade. Police have cordoned off roads accessing the town centre w
FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to tackle a blaze which broke out at an Exmouth shop shortly after midday.
Around eight appliances were called to attend the incident at Bargains Galore, in The Parade. Police have cordoned off roads accessing the town centre while the fire is brought under control.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service said the blaze had spread to nearby flats.
"The fire is still very intense. It has spread to the flats at the back and also to both the sports and conservative clubs," she said.
The deputy chief of the fire service is now at the scene of the incident with a number of senior officers.
Dave Rogers from the ambulance service said that there had been no casualties but three crews were put on standby.
He added: "We remained on standby just in case anybody suffered from smoke inhalation and stayed there until fire crews gave us the all-clear."
PC Martin Young of Exmouth police said it was decided to close the roads because there was debris flying around and a danger of smoke inhalation.
"The roads have been closed to keep people out of the way so the fire crews can do their jobs," he said.
Police are asking people in the town to keep their windows and doors close as smoke was blowing inland.
Updates to follow.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here