Fire crews called to house struck by lightning

Fire crews across the South Hams have been dealing with weather-related incidents after heavy rain, wind, thunderstorms and flooding over the weekend. 

Buckfastleigh and Ashuburton Fire crews were called to a house in Totnes on Sunday morning at 1.44am after it was struck by lightning. 

As the crews arrived, the occupant was safely with neighbours and had sustained "only minor injuries from a ceiling falling down".

credit Buckfastleigh Fire Station 

A spokesperson for Buckfastleigh Fire Station said: "Crews used two breathing apparatus to check the upstairs of the property due to a strong smell of burning. It was evident a large surge had gone through the house and plug sockets had blown off of the wall, light switches where effected and a lamp was shattered.

"As we were leaving this incident we were then mobilised to reports of a house being actively flooded by the intense downpour which came with the thunder storm.

"We had difficulty in reaching the property due to localised flooding so two firefighters donned water safety PPE and waded to the house to support the occupant.

"We utilised small tools, buckets and shovels to remove the majority of the water.

"We then installed the occupants flood defence barrier to prevent further flooding from the rain that is forecast today."

credit Buckfastleigh Fire Station 

The spokesperson continued: "The service has today been incredibly busy due to the heavy rain of the last 12 hours with many fire stations travelling to incident after incident to help where we can.

"Our control room have done an amazing job in prioritising what to send and when.

"We first assisted in Harberton where over night they experienced widespread flooding throughout the village.

"Once the water subsided they were left with a thick muddy sludge and debris in many properties.

"Crews assisted multiple homeowners to help clear some of the worst flood debri."

credit Buckfastleigh Fire Station 

They continued: "Following this we were mobilised to an AFA (automatic fire alarm) in Paignton then straight onto a flooded hotel also in Paignton where we used a mini ejector pump and light portable pump with hard suction to remove the worst of the water.

"Crews then returned to station to clean all of the muddy and wet equipment ready for the next call out."

credit Buckfastleigh Fire Station