Exeter fire: 'Avoid area' alert issued

Emergency services have told locals to completely avoid an area of Exeter tonight as an inferno rages at Marsh Barton industrial estate. Residents in the area are also being told to shut their windows and doors.

A huge plume of thick black smoke was spotted at around 8.40pm tonight across the city - as far away the city centre. Several fire crews are currently at the scene at a city scrap yard and continue to battle a fire believed to have been caused by a battery being either moved or crushed by machinery.

Around five crews are dealing with the fire, with an aerial platform being utilised alongside a water bowser vehicle from Torquay. The fire is said to be 'well contained within the scrap yard' and firefighters appear confident in dousing the blaze.

READ MORE: Major Exeter fire at city scrapyard

READ MORE: Massive Exeter fire put out after crews battled blaze overnight

The most recent statement from Devon & Somerset Fire Service reads: "We have five fire engines, an aerial ladder platform and a water bowser in attendance at a large incident in the area.

"We request that people in the area keep windows closed and stay away from the area."

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