NEWTON Abbot Fire Station’s Environmental Protection Unit was called into action yesterday evening after a lorry carrying household waste caught fire at a business park near Exeter.

Two fire engines and a water bowser were sent to the incident at around 8pm on Thursday, August 13, where crews found smoke issuing from the trailer.

Firefighters from Newton Abbot, Danes Castle and Middlemoor tackled the blaze, using breathing apparatus, main jets and hose reel jets.

An aerial ladder platform was also requested, while the Environmental Protection Unit, sent from Newton Abbot, was called to assist with the incident due to the nature of the trailer’s contents.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that the cause was accidental.