Newton Abbot Fire Station

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Newton Abbot Fire Station

Fire Station Being "on call" means that we are not on the station 24 hours a day. Details of the incident are given via a turnout sheet.

Newton Abbot Fire Station is located on The Avenue and covers the towns of Newton Abbot, Denbury, East & West Ogwell, Abbotskerswell, Ippelpen and Kingsteignton whilst supporting surrounding areas across Devon. The station is a retained "on call" 2 pump fire station with an EPU (Environmental Protection Unit)

We currently have 21 personnel - 2 Watch Managers, 4 Crew Managers and 15 Fire Fighters.

We are contacted by a pager that every on call firefighter carries on their person. So when a '999' call comes in, all crews are alerted by Fire Control to attend the station, from either their homes or place of work. Each Monday evening we attend the station, between 19:00 and 21:00 for weekly training. This is known as a drill night.

01/09/2026

August was another busy month for us here at Newton Abbot Fire Station which saw us mobilsed on 52 separate occasions.

Although not as busy as July, our crews attended a number of high profile incidents including a wildfire requiring 20 pumps in Mincinglake, Exeter, as well as a 10 pump industrial fire in Kingsbridge.

Other call outs ranged from chemical exposure incidents in Plymouth where our EPU (Environmental Protection Unit) was required on several occasions, as well as fires below ground involving fibre optic and electrical cabling.

At the end of July, we shared a number of pictures showing our firefighters post incident in a more relaxed and relatable manner. This was a different feature from us which proved to be popular with many of our followers.

Following on from all of the positive comments and messages we recieved, we would once again like to share with you our firefighters and give you the opportunity to meet some of the people behind the uniform.

23/08/2026

At 1103 today one fire appliance from Newton Abbot Fire Station was mobilised directly on from a false alarm callout to reports of a fire in the open in the Ipplepen area.

Upon their arrival, they discovered approximately an acre of farmland well alight with the flames spreading into nearby woodland.

The IC (Incident Commander) immediately requested a further two appliances and a water bowser to attend. The crews used 3 hose reel jets and numerous beaters to contain the fire and ultimately extinguish it.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to N A Dennis & Son for their quick thinking and assistance with this incident. Whilst the fire was rapidly developing they utilised their agricultural spreader and 6000 litre water bowser to assist us in extinguishing the fire. If it wasn't for their swift actions the scale of the fire would have almost certainly been significantly worse.

Crews remained on scene for a period of time after the fire to ensure all hotspots were cooled and re-ignition could not occur.

Our crews did manage to return to home station following this fire, but have since been called out for the third time today and are currently in attendance at a gas related incident in Torquay with our EPU (Environmental Protection Unit).

18/08/2026

Everyone here at Newton Abbot Fire Station would like to extend our congratulations to firefighter Charlie Plyer who on Saturday passed her end point assessment. This mean't she was able to take the triangles off her helmet and officially call herself a competent firefighter.

When asked about her development and finally being signed off, this is what she had to say;

"2 years & 5 days since joining the service..
18 ½ months officially on the run..

She is official a COMPETENT FIREFIGHTER!!! 😭

I cried the whole drive home.. This means more to me than anyone could ever know!

Unbelievable amounts of self doubt, countless hours, endless training, studying, practising, pushing, stressing myself out and the support from honestly THE BEST people in the world… and I finally did it. 🥹🔥

And on the other hand...
My first operation, the stress from redundancy, some negative people & even raging tonsillitis this week before my assessment today did not stop me!
I am so so SO proud of myself!!!

Its true when they say.. 'this is the best job in the world'

From my first ever ride on the pump with my ginger hair to now..
Cheers! 🍾"

One again, a huge congratulations to Charlie. Becoming competent is no easy task and your hard work, dedication and professionalism has paid off.

14/08/2026

Our third shout yesterday saw one of our appliances and the EPU (Environmental Protection Unit) mobilised to reports of a large vehicle fire at 2030 to Greendale business park in Exeter.

Upon our arrival, Middlemoor Fire Station and Clyst St George Fire Station were already tackling a well developed fire which had broken out within the trailer of an articulated lorry. The IC (Incident Commander) committed 2 teams, both of which consisted of 2 firefighters wearing BA. Each team ascended a separate ladder with a CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) jet each. The reason for this decision was so that foam could be pumped into the trailer whilst still keeping the contents within.

Whilst these crews suppressed the fire, crews from Newton Abbot Fire Station set up a containment area using our large yellow poly-booms. We did this in preparation for the ALP (Aerial Ladder Platform) being used. The ALP uses vast amounts of water which becomes contaminated when firefighting. Therefore, by having a containment area set up prior to its use, we were able to direct the water run-off into the on-stie intercept tanks and limit environmental damage.

Once in place, the ALP pumped water directly into the top of the lorry trailer. Once temperatures were shown to have reduced, the decision was made to empty the contents into the containment area. Greendale staff utilised loaders to spread the contents apart so that crews could continue to extinguish any small fires that reignited and cool all remaining hotspots.

Why didn't we just open the rear doors ?

This is a question we have been asked before when attending lorry fires, and sometimes that is the best course of action. However, in this scenario, the lorry cab was unaffected, the trailer was completely full of house hold waste and the fire had limited ventilation. If we were to open the doors, the flames would have had a sudden influx of oxygen which would have caused the fire to grow and could have caused a greater deal of damage or injuries.

Although we do not know the cause of this fire, this is a perfect opportunity to once again highlight the risks of improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can burst into flames and explode upon being punctured or when they are severely damaged. Therefore, we would like to advise everyone that should you need to dispose of a battery of any kind, please do it through appropriate recycling centres or dedicated waste battery bins.

Thank you.

12/08/2026

Yesterday, one crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station was mobilised to the first of our three callouts at 0830, but little did we know, we wouldn't be returning to our home station for another 13 hours.

The first call out saw us attend a house fire in Ivybridge where we provided "Relief" assistance for the crews who had already been fighting the fire throughout the early hours of the morning. After a period of "turning over" and dampening down hot spots, our crew were released from the Incident.

Whilst returning to Newton Abbot, we were mobilised to Exmouth Fire Station for standby duties. Whilst responding however, we were diverted by our 999 control room for a "make pumps 20" assistance message.

Upon our arrival, it was clear that the fire had spread rapidly over a vast area of grassland, woodland and farmland, with multiple properties at significant risk of being engulfed by the flames. The crews from Newton Abbot were tasked alongside other stations to tackle part of the fire front which was rapidly spreading towards a farm house and barn. Our crews utilised multiple 51mm attack jets and hose reels to fight the fire and push back the flames before it had a chance to spread into the buildings.

Crews from across Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service fought tirelessly in punishing conditions to ensure the blaze was contained and eventually brought under control. Although an area of approximately 50 acres of woodland and vegetation were destroyed by the fire, the combined efforts of all the crews ensured no properties sustained significant damage as a result of yesterday's devastating fire.

As always we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support and gratitude that was shown towards our crews. During this exceptionally busy period that we are experiencing it's truly appreciated and certainly not taken for granted.

10/08/2026

At around 1300 today, one appliance from Newton Abbot Fire Station was on route for standby duties at Paignton Fire Station whilst they attended a boat fire in Dartmouth.

However, we didn't get as far as our standby as we were mobilised to Broadsands, Paignton due to reports of a fire in the open along the cliff face. Whilst responding, Fire Control informed us that they had recieved in excess of 50 999 calls and were therefore mobilising additional appliances from Torquay Fire Station.

Upon our arrival, alongside Torquay, it was obvious the fire was much worse than initially thought with the fire already spreading into three neighbouring gardens, with one elderly female trapped by the smoke within her home.

The IC (Incident Commander) instructed two firefighters wearing BA (Breathing Apparatus) to make entry into the house in order to rescue the lady within. These firefighters forced entry and alongside concerned neighbours were able to quickly lead her to safety.

Whilst this rescue was being performed, multiple other firefighters were extending 2 separate hose lines, each consisting of 2 full hose reel jet spools, totalling a length of 54 meters for each line. This was so the fire within the gardens could be extinguished and an effective attack on the main fire front along the cliff face could begin.

Whilst crews fought the fire from the cliff's edge, the fire train was also mobilised along the railway line below to assist in the firefighting actions. The combined efforts between Torquay Fire Station, Newton Abbot Fire Station and the fire train supplied by Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company ensured that the fire was surrounded, contained and ultimately extinguished in an effective and safe manner, before it could spread any further. All person's had a lucky escape with no injuries reported and the fire damage was limited to the cliff face as well as three gardens. Thankfully, crews managed to prevent any fire spread reaching the properties that bordered the cliff.

09/08/2026

During the night at around 0030, one appliance from Newton Abbot Fire Station was mobilised to reports of an explosion and fire below ground in the Jetty Marsh Road area.

Upon our arrival, we discovered a sub surface inspection hatch to be well alight with the hatch cover blown off. Upon a quick inspection by crews, coupled with electricity visibly arching from the pit, a variety of BT fibre optic cables and electrically equipment were deemed to be fully involved within the inspection / access pit.

Due to the power being live, crews set up an exclusion zone around the incident and closely monitored the fire until the National Grid and BT could attend. Upon the arrival of the National Grid, they informed us that they had isolated the necessary electrical feeds and were happy the equipment within was no longer live.

As a result, the IC (Incident Commander) instructed one firefighter to use a C02 fire extinguisher to tackle the flames. Crews then continued to monitor temperatures which at somepoints were in excess of 800°c. We continued to remain on scene to ensure the fire did not reignite before confirming it was safe to hand the incident over to the National Grid.

04/08/2026

Yesterday afternoon, one crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station was mobilised to reports of a fire in the open within Decoy woods.

Upon our arrival, the crew discovered a large area of woodland well alight, with flames spreading deeper into the woods. The IC (Incident Commander) made the decision to "make up" for an additional appliance which also came from Newton Abbot as well as a Water Bowser from Torquay Fire Station. Due to the difficult access, the IC also requested the ArgoCat ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) from Bovey Tracey Fire Station to attend.

Crews worked hard in difficult conditions to fight the fire through dense woodland in order to contain the flames. Crews used a misting unit from the a ATV, multiple beaters, axes and a main attack line that consisted of 5 lengths of 51mm hose (25 meters in length each) into 2 full hose reel jets (54 meters in length each) to extinguish the fire.

Another arduous incident where crews from multiple stations worked well together to bring an incident to a safe close in an efficient manner.

31/07/2026

Today marks the end of July and what can only be described as an extraordinarily busy month for both our crews and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service as a whole.

Our first shout of the month saw us mobilised at the very reasonable time of 0800 to Channings Wood Prison in Denbury. But what we were soon to realise is that this was just the start of it.

Throughout July our crews have expirenced 73 emergency calls which have ranged from assisting the Police with investigations, to train station fires and industrial units well alight. Also, we cannot fail to mention the amount of mobilisations we have had for fires within the open.

Our busiest day throughout July saw us attend 8 separate incidents.

Now that August is nearly upon us, we thought this would be a great opportunity to thank everyone who has been supportive of our work and for all of the generosity that has been shown towards us. All of the free ice-creams and cold drinks have been well needed and greatly appreciated as we have fought these fires.

Finally, we would like to share some of the lighter side of our role with you. As incidents have been wrapping up, or during a well earned 5 minute break, our firefighters have been capturing pictures that highlight the camaraderie and essence of team work that all firefighters share. So in a rare insight, please enjoy the photos of our team and meet the faces behind the BA masks of Newton Abbot Fire Station.

28/07/2026

Another steady day for the crews of Newton Abbot fire station, which saw us mobilsed on four separate occasions for emergency calls.

We were mobilised for one of these just after 1430 within the Newton Abbot area to reports of a fire in the open. Whilst responding, 999 fire control mobilised a second appliance from Torquay Fire Station due to a number of 999 calls they recieved.

Upon our arrival, crews discovered a well developed fire that was involving hedgerows, grassland and other vegetation. Crews immediately got to work utilising two hosereel jets to contain and extinguish the flames. Crews also used fogspikes so that water could be pumped directly into the embankment to ensure all hot spots were extinguished.

It is believed that the fire was caused by an incinerator bin. Although the fire spread was completely unintentionally, we would like to use this incident to highlight the risks of having fires during these hot, dry conditions. We would advise not to have them at all if possible. But should you choose to have a fire, please ensure its in a clear area and can be readily extinguished should it become larger than intended.

Thank you.

Address

The Avenue
Newton Abbot
TQ122DR

Website

https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/

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