Plymouth families evacuated following fire in block of flats

A number of families had to be evacuated last night after a fire in a block of flats in the Devonport area of Plymouth.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were sent to the flats on Devonport Hill after receiving a call reporting smoke issuing from inside the three-storey block of flats. Two fire appliances from Greenbank and one fire appliance from Camels Head attended.

Fire crews confirmed that the fire involved an external rubbish shute on the first floor. The fire was extinguished by fire crews using two sets of breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet.

The refuse area was severely damaged by fire. The communal stairwell was ventilated by fire crews using a positive pressure ventilation fan.

Western Power were called to attend to isolate the domestic power supply which had been affected by the fire.

The families concerned have returned to their homes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the fire service and police.