FIREFIGHTERS from Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Topsham, and the hydraulic platform crew from Exeter, on Saturday spent hours battling a blaze which broke out in a Brixington home.
FIREFIGHTERS from Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Topsham, and the hydraulic platform crew from Exeter, on Saturday spent hours battling a blaze which broke out in a Brixington home.
The blaze broke out in a utility room of a home in Warneford Gardens shortly before 2.30pm, where it is believed the fire started when a washing machine overheated.
The fire quickly took hold when the heat of the flames melted a gas pipe in the room and a small gas explosion caused the roof of the home to collapse.
These dramatic readers' pictures show the extent of the blaze and the thick, black, acrid smoke which could be seen from miles around.
Officer in charge watch commander Bob Sturtivant said the fire was already 'well developed' when the crews arrived.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus trained jets of water on neighbouring homes as they battled to prevent the blaze from spreading.
When the council building surveyor arrived they declared the home unsafe and prevented any further action taking place inside.
* See this week's Journal for the full story
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