FIREFIGHTERS from Newton Abbot and Teignmouth responded to reports of a fire this evening (Saturday 23rd June) in Chudleigh.

Two crews were initially dispatched following calls of a fire involving a shipping container at Thornes Cross, Chudleigh just before 7.30pm.

On arrival at the scene the incident commander confirmed that smoke and flames were issuing forth and requested a third pump to attend and an additional fire engine from Newton Abbot was mobilised.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “A shipping container used as a private dwelling and measuring approximately 15mx5m a was on fire.”

“Crews at the scene used breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet and one safety jet to tackle the blaze and were able to bring it under control."

The fire, believed to be accidental in nature, caused 50 per cent damage of the contents to be severely damaged by fire, with the remaining contents damaged by heat and smoke.