FIREFIGHTERS from Newton Abbot assisted crews from across Devon during a hazardous materials incident in Plymouth.

Crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station were called into action shortly before 11am on Tuesday, July 7, with one fire appliance and the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) following reports of the incident at Britain’s Ocean City.

Upon arrival, crews found the premises, which manufactures machine parts, had been evacuated, with Plymouth-based firefighters having established a safety cordon around the site.

The incident is believed to have occurred during a process involving a road-based chemical tanker, when a vapour cloud was released and subsequently drawn into the building.

Crews turned on the building’s air extraction system to remove any potentially hazardous vapours or gases.

Following ventilation of the premises, two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building under the direction of the Incident Commander to carry out atmospheric monitoring.

Using specialist equipment supplied by Newton Abbot’s EPU, firefighters checked for potential hazards, including gases such as hydrogen cyanide and chlorine, as well as using a multi-gas detector and photo ionisation detector.

After an extensive period of monitoring, the atmosphere inside the building was confirmed to be safe and staff were allowed to return.

Newton Abbot Fire Station said the incident highlighted the wide range of emergencies attended by fire crews and the importance of effective teamwork between stations and specialist teams.

The service added that the response demonstrated the ability of crews from across the wider fire service to work together safely and efficiently during complex incidents.