Caravan fire spreads and destroys two boats in Devon village

It was the fire station’s second shout back-to-back

Two boats were destroyed after catching fire near Dartmouth.

The blaze started in a caravan at around 5pm on Friday (May 15) in East Allington, a village in the South Hams.

Dartmouth Fire Station said crews from Salcombe started battling the flames before its own firefighters arrived at the scene. Kingsbridge Fire Station was also asked to provide assistance at the scene.

Photos shared by Dartmouth Fire Station on Facebook show the smoking remains of a boat which had been involved in the fire. There is a nearby pile of rubble that may be the second boat or the caravan.

It was the second incident for the fire station on Friday, after a smoke alarm sounded at a residential property in Dartmouth.

Firefighters found the first floor of the property filled with smoke and crews forced their way in to find the cause of the fire. After the blaze was extinguished, crews used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the home of smoke.

Dartmouth Fire Station said in a statement: “Yesterday turned into a busy day for our crew at Dartmouth, two shouts one after another. The first call from control was to a fire alarm sounding at a domestic property in Dartmouth.

“On arrival IC Kev found the first floor of the building to be filled with smoke and ordered the rapid deployment of two personnel in breathing apparatus. A forced entry was made into the building and the cause of the fire was quickly identified and dealt with.

“Fire crews also used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the property of smoke. Our neighbours, Brixham came over the river Dart to back us up.”

It continued: “Not long after, the crew were mobilised again by control to a confirmed caravan fire which had spread to two small boats. Our South Hams friends, Salcombe arrived before us tackling the fires head on.

“FF Lee, FF Arran and Driver Callum then began the task of finding the nearest hydrant and starting a water shuttle. Soon after, the call to Kingsbridge was made for extra support, they responded quickly to assist with fire fighting. Once the site was made safe to leave, the crew headed back to station and ended up having a quiet evening.

“Always good to see our friends over at Salcombe, Brixham and Kingsbridge. A good example of local community Fire stations all working together.”