Sidmouth firefighters help tackle Tiverton Business Park blaze

Update 4 January 2:32pm: The fire has now been fully extinguished and the incident handed over to the police.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "A revisit took place this morning from 1 appliance once on scene the appliance requested the attendance of an Aerial Ladder Platform to assist with extinguishing any further hotspots.

"Crews have successfully extinguished all hotspots and the incident has now been handed over to the police.

"These are the full and final details."

Update 8pm: The fire has 'destroyed' two businesses, and partially damaged another.

Firefighters remain on scene dampening down hotspots, and there will be a revisit on Tuesday 4 January.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire affected a two-storey commercial building divided into three businesses.

"The first business contained a large quantity of aerosol spray cans, cans of liquid adhesive and eight heavy goods vehicles. It was destroyed by fire.

"The plumbing business next door was also destroyed by fire.

"The third business which contained pianos was partially damaged by heat, smoke and water. "

"A crew remains in place dampening down hotspots and there will be a revisit in the morning."

Update 12.10pm: There are still fire crews at the scene currently dampening down hotspots.

The fire service has said that it will work with the police to investigate the cause of the fire.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said on Twitter: "We still have crews at the scene of the Tiverton fire dampening down hotspots and will work with the police on the investigation into the cause of the fire when it is safe to do so."

Original article 10.56am: Firefighters were called out at around 6.42pm yesterday (Sunday 2 January) to respond to a fire that was spreading rapidly at Tiverton Business Park.

Four units were reportedly on fire at the time of the initial call, and several carpet and flooring, piano and building supplies businesses have been affected.

Around 20 stations attended the incident in total, including firefighters from Sidmouth Fire Station.

The situation is ongoing.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to Tiverton Business Park on Lowman Way after receiving several calls from members of the public that four units were affected by fire and the fire was spreading rapidly.

"Twelve fire engines plus specialist appliances including an aerial ladder platform and high volume pump were sent to the scene. Police and ambulance colleagues are also in attendance.

"The fire is affecting several businesses used for carpet and flooring, piano and building supplies.

"A 150-metre cordon has been established for public safety and firefighters are working to prevent the fire spreading to other units."

In a Tweet at 7.40am today (Monday 3 January), a spokesperson added: "We're still tackling the Tiverton fire using water jets and an aerial ladder platform.

"We're monitoring the building for potential collapse and working with Wales and West Utilities to cap gas leaks."

We will bring you more updates as they come in.