Firefighters from 13 fire stations across Devon tackled a huge compost heap fire last night.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to South West Composting Limited on Stamps Hill in Brixton at 8.51pm on Monday, 5 January, after reports of a fire within a large compost heap.
Crews from Plympton, Plymstock, Greenbank, Camels Head, Torquay, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Newton Abbot, Totnes, Crediton, Bere Alston, Modbury and Tavistock were sent to the blaze.
National Grid were also called to the scene to isolate the power supply to the area as a precaution, due to power lines above the fire.
The fire was caused by spontaneous combustion within the compost heap, triggered by heat generated as organic material decomposed.
Despite the freezing conditions overnight, firefighters found the fire well established upon their arrival.
Following the discovery of multiple seats on fire, crews requested a further five fire engines along with an aerial ladder platform.
A welfare unit was also mobilised to support firefighters, as the incident was expected to be protracted.
Fire crews initially deployed onsite machinery alongside four hose reel jets, main jets, lighting equipment and a triple extension ladder as they worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading.
By 1.35am, fire crews reported steady progress and focused their efforts on tackling the remaining hot spots. Specialist teams on site used thermal probes to monitor temperatures within the compost heap and identify areas of residual heat.
At 5.25am, firefighters continued dampening down the site, with three fire engines and a water bowser remaining in attendance as the operation scaled back.
As daylight broke, machinery was again used to turn over the compost, while firefighters deployed a light portable pump, attack jets, a gas detector and thermal imaging cameras.
A smoke plume was visible drifting in a westerly direction, but conditions gradually improved as temperatures reduced.
In a final update issued at 9.09am, the fire service confirmed the fire had been extinguished with no injuries reported.
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