Residents of Beacon Heath in Exeter narrowly avoided a devastating tragedy thanks to the prompt response of firefighters who battled a blaze at a first-floor flat in Beacon Lane on the morning of August 16. The emergency services’ commendable efforts prevented what could have been a fatal incident for families residing in the affected block of flats.
Emergency services were alerted around 7:45 am when reports surfaced of smoke emerging from the windows of the implicated flat. The scene witnessed at least three fire engines, two ambulances, and an incident response unit rushing to Beacon Lane to address the unfolding crisis.
The severity of the situation was apparent as road closures persisted, stretching from the Beacon Lane/Calthorpe Road junction to King Arthur’s Road. The continuous presence of emergency personnel underscored the gravity of their mission to ensure the residents’ safety and bring the fire under control.
An employee from the nearby Spar shop, situated close to the incident, shared an eyewitness account of the community’s shock. The resident of the affected flat, thankfully rescued by firefighters, was promptly transported to the hospital. Preferring anonymity, the employee recounted the distressing scene, stating, “Around 7:45 am, a customer came into the shop and alerted me that the flats down the road were on fire. I rushed out and saw a flat ablaze, where a customer I know resides.”
Detailing the incident, the employee continued, “Dark smoke filled the air. Fortunately, her daughter was not at home; she was with her grandmother. The customer lives alone in the flat with her daughter.”
Providing reassurance, the employee stated, “A police officer entered the shop and informed me that she would be alright, having suffered only from smoke inhalation. The fire service responded swiftly, evacuating her from the flat. She was transported by ambulance to Bettysmead and later airlifted to Bristol hospital.”
Expressing sympathy for the affected residents, the employee remarked, “Considerable damage occurred, and the flat window shattered. I felt deeply sorry for the residents and children who were evacuated, standing outside in the early morning. Many families reside in those flats. It’s fortunate that everyone evacuated safely. It’s just such a shock.”
Following the incident, a visible police presence was established, and a spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police provided insights into the unfolding events: “Police were alerted by the fire service at 7:45 am today, August 16, following reports of a fire at a property in Beacon Lane, Exeter. Firefighters successfully rescued a woman from the flat.”
Continuing, the spokesperson added, “She suffered from smoke inhalation and received prompt treatment from paramedics before being transported to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Another woman also experienced smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital. A police cordon is in place, along with localized road closures on Beacon Lane. Fire investigators are currently on the scene.”
In the aftermath of the incident, the public was advised to steer clear of the area, anticipating disruptions to their journeys due to the ongoing investigation and recovery operations.
As the community grapples with the shock of the near-tragedy, the resilience and swift response of the emergency services stand as a testament to their commitment to public safety. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role emergency responders play in safeguarding communities from unforeseen crises and the importance of preparedness.
