FIREFIGHTERS from Newton Abbot had a long and challenging day yesterday (Tuesday, August 11) after being called to three separate incidents and spending 13 hours away from their home station.

The crew was first mobilised at 8.30am to a house fire in Ivybridge, where they provided relief to firefighters who had been tackling the blaze since the early hours.

After helping to turn over the property and dampen down hotspots, the crew was released from the incident.

But their day was far from over.

While returning to Newton Abbot, the crew was mobilised to Exmouth Fire Station for standby duties.

However, while responding, they were diverted by the 999 control room to provide assistance at a major fire in the Exeter area.

The large fire had spread rapidly across grassland, woodland and farmland, putting several properties at significant risk. Newton Abbot crews were tasked with tackling part of the fire front as flames rapidly approached a farmhouse and barn.

Using multiple 51mm attack jets and hose reels, firefighters worked to push back the flames and prevent the fire from reaching the buildings.

Crews from across Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service worked in difficult conditions to contain the blaze, which eventually affected around 50 acres of woodland and vegetation.

Despite the scale of the fire, the combined efforts of firefighters meant no properties sustained significant damage.

The Newton Abbot crew eventually returned to their station around 13 hours after setting out on their first call.

The station thanked members of the public for their support and messages of gratitude during what it described as an ‘exceptionally busy period’, saying the kindness shown to crews is ‘truly appreciated and certainly not taken for granted’.