Woman injured as burning van sets fire to petrol station shop

A car fire has broken out near the petrol station on the B3343 Woolacombe Station Road
-Credit: (Image: Google)


A woman is suffering injuries from smoke inhalation after a van burst into flames by a petrol station forecourt yesterday, Sunday, September 22. The fire then spread from the burning vehicle to the Murco petrol station canopy and shop in Station Road, Woolacombe, North Devon.

The fire broke out at around midday. Smoke and flames could be seen for miles around as the fire quickly spread from the vehicle to the two-storey shop, severely damaging the first floor and roof space.

Eight fire engines were sent with multiple pumping appliances mobilised from Ilfracombe, Braunton, and Barnstaple. Devon and Cornwall Police closed the road as firefighters battled the flames. The fuel pumps had to be isolated and environmental specialists were called in due to the risks.

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South Western Ambulance Service was also called to the scene to treat one female casualty suffering from smoke inhalation.

Devon and Somerset Fire Service extinguished the van fire at 1.14pm but the fire had already spread to the adjacent building. They said: "Crews confirmed the vehicle fire had been extinguished, and efforts were being made to contain the fire to the roof space of an adjacent building.

"At the time six breathing apparatus, four hose reel jets and two covering jets were being used. A request was made for an Environmental Protection Unit to attend the incident which was mobilised from North Tawton Fire Station.

"A request was made for additional pumping appliances to attend for additional personnel. These were mobilised from Woolacombe and Bideford Fire Stations.

"Crews used six breathing apparatus, one aerial ladder platform, four hose reel jets, one ladder, two jets, a thermal imaging camera and a fog spike. The cause of the fire was believed to be accidental."