'Bad parking' is criticised by fire crew at blaze

FIREFIGHTERS have appealed to the public to park considerately after they were delayed in getting to a serious barn blaze due to badly parked vehicles.

- by STAFF REPORTER

Crews were called to a severe fire in Ingleigh Green, Broadwoodkelly at around 12.15pm on May 22.

Initial reports to fire control had 'person reported,' meaning a person was in the building on fire and speed of firefighters arriving on the scene is of the essence.

The fire service said a barn was "severely damaged" in the fire.

Initially one fire engine was sent from Hatherleigh and fortunately the person was located safely. When another call came in reporting a barn was on fire, an additional two fire engines were sent from Okehampton and Torrington.

On arrival, the barn was well alight and two more fire engines, from Holsworthy and Chagford, as well as an incident command vehicle from Ilfracombe, were sent to the scene. A water carrier was dispatched and firefighters battled the blaze.