Date: 05.11.2018Time: 22:47Location: A30 Eastbound Between Fingle Glen and Alphington

2 fire appliances from our Exeter stations, Middlemoor and Danes Castle, together with a water carrier from Plympton (Plymouth), were initially mobilised following multiple calls (inc one from the driver) reporting a fire involving a HGV and its load.

The attendance was then increased by a further fire appliance from Danes Castle, upon arrival of the first crew, who confirmed the large articulated HGV was well alight and that the tyres were exploding from the heat.

Due to the size and intensity of the vehicle, and fire, both carriageways of the A30 were closed, not just for the safety of the crews but for fellow motorists. Police were requested and attended to carry out traffic duties. At 23:13hrs the attendance was once again increased, for additional water, by 2 more fire appliances which attended from Topsham. A 2nd water carrier, mobilised from Danes Castle, was also requested at 00:50hrs.

Update 0200hrs - This incident is protracted and still ongoing. Crews are making slow but steady progress, using compressed air foam, hose reel jets and main jets to extinguish the fire, which includes the paper based load. This is being dragged out, turned over and damped down continuously, which requires large amounts of water and effort.

Police are still in attendance carrying out traffic duties and have temporarily opened some lanes to allow some traffic to be escorted passed the incident.

Further updates will follow when available............