An investigation is underway after a fire broke out during the early hours of this morning (7 September).
Thankfully, the fire was just a short walk away from Greenbank Fire Station, meaning firefighters could be on scene within minutes and all lives were saved.
The fire broke out at Greenbank Court, a four-storey block of flats for elderly residents over 60 on Hospital Road.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that flames were issuing from the window of a first-floor flat when crews arrived.
Firefighters rescued seven people in what proved to be challenging circumstances due to many of the residents being elderly and some having limited mobility.
Two people were rescued using a ladder, while five were rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
Thirty elderly residents were evacuated from the building and everyone was accounted for. Those rescued were assessed by paramedics.
Eight fire appliances were sent to the incident, alongside further fire service resources, police and ambulance crews.
Dozens of firefighters worked throughout the night in order to contain the blaze and ensure the welfare of residents.
Crews used water jets to tackle the fire, with a total of 16 breathing apparatus wearers involved in dealing with the incident.
The flat where the fire started was destroyed by fire, while the first-floor communal area was slightly damaged by fire and suffered significant smoke damage.
One person was taken to Derriford Hospital as a precaution following smoke inhalation.
It was a long night for those who had been evacuated from their homes and residents were accommodated at nearby Greenbank Fire Station while temporary accommodation was being arranged.
At the time of writing, the scene remains under investigation and residents have not been allowed back into the building.
Residents speaking to Plymouth Plus spoke of the problems they say they have experienced with an antisocial occupant of the building, who they claim 'deliberately started the fire'.
They added that the individual had allegedly just been released from custody following an incident the previous evening, during which they claim he caused a large water leak inside the building.
Emergency services have been contacted for comment and we will be bringing you further updates on our live blog here.
Sign up for free below to get notified of all the latest breaking news from Plymouth Plus.
