IT was a busy Sunday evening (April 19) for Newton Abbot’s firefighters as they responded to three shouts, including a car fire on the A38.

Initially mobilised to assist with an underground rescue in Plymouth, the crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station were quickly redirected to a vehicle fire near Ivybridge.

Arriving at the seen less than 30 seconds after having been informed, the crew were faced with a car that was well alight, with smoke and flames issuing from all areas of the vehicle.

A spokesperson for the station said: ‘Our colleagues from Ivybridge Fire Station also attended this incident.

‘Their support ensured that we had sufficient water to deal with the incident.

‘They also assisted in managing the water run-off from the fire, thereby protecting the environment to the best of our ability’.

Crews used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

The car was totally destroyed by the fire and the cause was accidental, say Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

But that wasn't the end for Newton’s crew.

While returning to their home station, the crew were called to reports of a person trapped inside a bedroom.

The spokesperson went on to say: ‘After getting back to station, the crew ensured that the appliances and hose reels were cleaned and that any consumable items used on the incidents had been replenished.

‘Crews managed to get back home at around 4.30am, just enough time to get a couple of hours sleep before being ready to do it all again’.