Fire fighters tackle large blaze at Devon animal market

Fire crews were called to a serious blaze at Hatherleigh Cattle Market in Devon last night which has prompted concern over possible asbestos contamination. The roof of the building used for the regular Monday sheep auction has been severly damaged.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received several calls reporting cattle sheds on fire in the early hours of Monday morning (21 October). One fire appliance from Hatherleigh and two fire appliances from Okehampton attended.

Upon arrival, fire crews requested a further two fire appliances from North Tawton and Torrington as well as the incident command vehicle with a supporting fire appliance from Ilfracombe. An aerial ladder platform from Barnstaple and Western Power was also required.

Fire fighters fought for over an hour to get the blaze under control. A range of single storey buildings consisting of cattle market buildings and offices were well alight. Crews used four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.

The fire was extinguished shortly after 5.30am with the Fire Service reporting that approximately eight percent of a block of single storey offices was severely damaged by fire. The area was cordoned off amid fears of asbestos contamination from damage to the buildings.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Service and police.