Emergency services have urged locals to avoid an area in Exeter tonight as a major fire engulfs part of the Marsh Barton industrial estate. Residents nearby are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed for safety.
The blaze, which began around 8:40 p.m., has sent a large plume of thick black smoke visible across the city, even from the city centre. Several fire crews have been dispatched to a scrap yard within the industrial area, where they are working to control the fire, reportedly caused when a battery was either moved or crushed by machinery.
Five fire crews are currently on-site, using an aerial platform and a water bowser vehicle from Torquay to combat the flames. Firefighters report that the fire is "well-contained within the scrap yard," and they remain confident in bringing it under control.
In its latest statement, Devon & Somerset Fire Service advised: "We have five fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, and a water bowser in attendance at a large incident in the area. We request that people in the area keep windows closed and stay away from the area."
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