Major incident declared in Exeter over huge commercial fire
25 January 2020, 15:01
A major incident has been declared in Exeter amid a large fire at a cleaners building.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at Johnsons the Cleaners at around 10.30am on Saturday.
Properties near the incident have been evacuated, with cordons and road closures imposed in the surrounding area.
A stop has been put on an adjacent railway line, as a wall has fallen on to the track.
It is confirmed that no-one has been injured and firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze which risks spreading to neighbouring buildings.
Inspector Lee Groves, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "We are currently treating this as a major incident and our colleagues at the fire services are working to contain and control the fire.
"A number of emergency services and other partner agencies remain at the scene.
"I urge the public to respect the cordons, not to put themselves in harm's way and for nearby residents to keep all doors and windows shut due to the level of smoke."
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said 15 fire engines had been requested to deal with the blaze.
A spokesman said: "The whole building is fully involved in fire and there is low hazard asbestos involved, but fortunately there are no casualties."
