Raging Barn Fires in Devon Throw Local Communities into Ashes of Worry

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News Summary

Devon faces alarming barn fires, raising health concerns about asbestos. Firefighters battle blazes in Chudleigh, Halberton, and Holsworthy.

Raging Barn Fires in Devon Throw Local Communities into Ashes of Worry

A series of devastating barn fires have engulfed the picturesque landscapes of Devon, raising alarms among local communities as they contend with both the flames and the potential risks posed by asbestos. The latest incident involves a barn in Chudleigh, which erupted into flames over 12 hours ago on Sunday, March 30, around 4 pm. As of the following morning, firefighters were still battling the blaze.

The Chudleigh Barn Blaze

In Chudleigh, the barn, notorious for its asbestos roof, had been repurposed for household storage, a decision that now raises critical health concerns. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was quick to respond, discovering the structure well alight with flames threatening to consume its contents, primarily household items.

Multiple fire crews from various towns including Torquay, Middlemoor, Danes Castle, Totnes, Newton Abbot, Buckfastleigh, Bovey Tracey, and Ashburton were engaged in this major operation. Given the hazardous material involved, special safety measures were implemented to protect both the firefighters and the local community from potential asbestos exposure.

Crews employed a combination of water jets and compressed air foam to extinguish the flames, a strategy designed to combat the fire effectively while minimizing risk. The fire has escalated fears not just due to its severity, but also because it represents the growing challenges associated with older buildings containing asbestos materials.

A Second Inferno in Halberton

Hot on the heels of the Chudleigh incident, another barn fire broke out in Halberton shortly before 10:00 GMT on Tuesday. Firefighters discovered a large agricultural building engulfed in flames, which housed straw and various machinery. Quick action from crews, including personnel from Danes Castle, Bampton, Cullompton, Tiverton, Middlemoor, and Taunton, managed to extinguish the fire, but not before thick smoke blanketed the area, prompting local residents to keep doors and windows shut.

This fire, noted for its significant scale, was reported to have produced smoke visible from a considerable distance, specifically around 10:30 pm at Crown Hill. Firefighters employed an array of tactics using main jets and hose reel jets to tackle the inferno, with the situation being scaled down by 1:30 am. Relief crews stayed behind for ongoing assessments, mindful of the latent dangers from residual heat and potential flare-ups.

Further Complications in Holsworthy

The fire incidents did not stop there, as another barn fire erupted in the Holsworthy area, leading to significant emergency responses that included road closures on Rydon Lane and Trewyn Road. Firefighters from Barnstaple, Bideford, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, Torrington, and Honiton were mobilized as the barn was found to be fully involved, containing a tractor, farming machinery, as well as over 40 tonnes of straw and one tonne of fertilizer.

In a dramatic turn of events, at one point, over 1,000 properties were left without power due to the Holsworthy fire. National Grid worked rapidly to restore services, with reports indicating that 27 properties remained affected for an extended duration. Fire crews utilized a nearby river to source water for their extensive firefighting efforts, demonstrating the lengths to which they’re willing to go to combat these unpredictable blazes.

The Ongoing Threat of Asbestos

As the smoke settles and residents begin to assess the aftermath of these barn fires, the fear of asbestos exposure looms large. With proper inspections and safety measures, the goal remains clear: to reduce risks associated with fires in buildings containing hazardous materials. Firefighters must not only combat flames but also keep a vigilant watch against the hidden perils of asbestos.

The local community is encouraged to stay informed and consider the implications of having older structures on their property. As the situation develops, authorities will surely emphasize the importance of proper safety protocols and regulations regarding buildings that may pose environmental and health risks.

As Devon continues to battle these fierce fires, community awareness and swift action will be critical in ensuring safety and recovery in the wake of such devastating events.