A barn on a farm in North Devon has been 100% destroyed by a fire that broke out over the Bank Holiday weekend, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service has said.
Fire crews received a call from a member of the public regarding a large fire at a farm in Umberleigh on Friday, April 15.
The initial response team included two fire engines from Barnstaple, one fire engine from South Molton and an officer.
However, based on further information gathered from the caller, fire control then escalated the incident and mobilised a water carrier from Barnstaple and a further two officers.
When crews arrived at the incident, they confirmed there was a fully developed, large barn fire containing multiple caravans, machinery and cylinders (containing argon, butane, propane).
They requested a further two fire engines (from Braunton and Torrington) and an aerial platform ladder (Danes Castle – Exeter) for access and resources, an environmental protection unit (South Molton) and a further water carrier (Danes Castle – Exeter).
The incident command unit from Ilfracombe was also in attendance, and later a unit from Martock.
The A377 was also closed due to the proximity to the incident.
Crews have confirmed that the barn “100% damaged by fire but all persons on scene are accounted for”.
The electrics have been isolated and crews are making steady progress and the cause of the fire is thought to have been accidental.
