Dramatic pictures capture firefighters tackling train station fire

DRAMATIC images showing firefighters tackling a major blaze at Paignton railway station have been released by Newton Abbot Fire Station after crews were called in to support the incident.

The Newton Abbot crew was mobilised as part of a request for additional fire appliances following reports of a fire in the centre of Paignton on Tuesday, July 21.

Flames and smoke were pouring from the building when firefighters arrived.

The images released by the station show the scale of the challenge faced by crews, with firefighters working in intense conditions while wearing breathing apparatus as they battled to contain the fire.

It comes as British Transport Police arrest three boys - aged 13, 15 and 16-years-old - on suspicion of arson.

Newton Abbot firefighters were assigned to sector three of the incident, located on the steam railway line side of the site.

Their role was to protect the footbridge and other nearby buildings, while preventing the fire from spreading further.

Working alongside crews from across Devon, the firefighters used breathing apparatus and 51mm attack jets to tackle the flames.

They also used specialist equipment, including ceiling hooks and reciprocating saws, to open up areas of the roof and check for hidden fire spread.

Firefighters continued to monitor the scene, turning over debris and extinguishing any remaining hotspots, long after the fire was brought under control.

Newton Abbot Fire Station said the incident was one of four separate call-outs attended by the crew during a particularly busy day for the station.

The station thanked everyone involved in supporting the response, including Gilpin Demolition Group, whose machinery helped firefighters gain safer access to parts of the damaged roof and expose areas affected by fire.

Their assistance helped crews limit the spread of the blaze and reduce further damage.

Firefighters also expressed their thanks to Halletts the Bakers for providing food donations to support crews working throughout the incident, as well as members of the public who shared photographs of firefighters in action.