Major 20 pump fire in Exeter

A fire engine from Danes Castle in Exeter was sent to a report of the alarm system operating at the above address. On arrival the crew reported smoke and flames issuing from the building and requested a further 2 fire engines attend. These were sent from Danes Castle and Topsham. Shortly after requesting the additional 2 fire engines an aerial ladder platform was also requested, this was sent from Danes Castle also. A keyholder for the premises was requested to attend as the crews could not gain access into the building. 2 more fire engines were requested to attend due to the rapid development of the fire and the need for additional crew power. These were sent from Middlemoor and Exmouth along with an incident command unit from Totnes due to the amount of resources that would be in attendance. The crews confirmed the building was well alight and that they were working using 6 breathing apparatus wearers, 2 hose reel jets and 3 45mm jets. At 23:52 the incident was escalated to 15 fire engines as well as special appliances. Shortly after at 00:04 the incident was escalated to a total of 20 fire engines as well as 3 aerial ladder platforms, an incident command unit, an environmental protection unit, 2 water bowsers, a high volume pump and various specialist officers.