Crews tackle chemical store fire

A Royal Marines foam tender was also used to fight the fire

More than 40 firefighters have spent the night tackling a fire at a north Devon chemicals store.

Crews were called to cosmetics manufacturer Swallowfield PLC in Alverdiscott Road, East the Water, Bideford, at 2350 BST on Saturday.

A single-storey building used to store acetone and cellulose was severely damaged by the fire.

The Environment Agency was also called to prevent any chemical contamination in the area.

Concern over chemicals

Divisional Officer Andy Revez, of Devon Fire and Rescue Service, said the chemicals inside the store gave the crews cause for concern.

He said: "It was a big worry. Both acetone and cellulose are flammable, and acetone in particular can be irritant to the skin, so we had to make sure we protected our firefighters.

"We were also worried about any run-off from the chemicals off the site, so we asked the Environment Agency to advise us and they were able to help us as well."

Crews from Bideford, Appledore, Torrington and Ilfracombe attended the scene. A foam tender from Royal Marines Base Chivenor was also brought in.