Residents warned of toxic smoke as abandoned building catches fire in Bideford

An abandoned building caught fire in North Devon, releasing toxic smoke and pollutants. Emergency services were called to the scene of the fire along Churchill Way in Northam, near Bideford around 8.11pm yesterday evening (Saturday, November 2).

Residents in the area were told to keep their doors and windows closed as firefighters battled the fire, due to the smoke plume and pollutants. It is thought that the derelict building contained an amount of asbestos.

A total of five engines were called to the scene, as well as an aerial platform to battle the blaze and bring it under control. Fire crews worked tirelessly through the night to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

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DevonLive was also told that there were emergency services seen in the area. However, it is not known if the large police presence was in relation to the fire.

One person said: "Seems to be trouble somewhere between Woodville and Bideford, as a few police vehicles were racing out of Barnstaple five minutes ago".

The abandoned building was severely damaged by the fire. The cause of the fire is not known at this time but the fire service are concluding an investigation into the cause. It is not believed that anyone was injured during the fire.

A full statement from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "We were called at 8.11pm to attend a fire at a derelict property on Churchill Way in Northam near Bideford. Currently five appliances and an aerial platform are in attendance and are making steady progress using hose reel jets and attack jets to bring the fire under control and it stop from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

"Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke and potential low levels of asbestos in the building.

"Update 23:45 - One derelict building severely damaged by fire. Crews used 2 hose reel jets, 2 attack jets, 2 breathing apparatus and an aerial ladder platform to extinguish the fire. Crews are dampening down the area to ensure the fire does not reignite.

"Update 07:10 - Final revisit has been completed by local fire crew. Fire investigation is being completed."