Thick smoke could be seen after a fire broke out in the Milber area(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)

Thick smoke plumes as fire spreads through gardens in Newton Abbot

22 Jul 2026, 19:50 by Maxine Denton · DevonLive

Thick smoke could be seen pluming into the sky after a fire spread through gardens in an area of Newton Abbot.

Firefighters from Newton Abbot Fire Station were called to the the Milber area shortly after 8am today (July 22) following reports of a fire in the open.

The fire service said as crew members were getting ready, vast quantities of smoke could be seen rising in the distance.

Additional support was then requested and upon arrival, crews discovered a large blaze which had already engulfed a garden along with a shed and hedgerows.

Flames had also spread to four other gardens. Firefighters quickly began work to extinguish the fire before it could cause more damage.

In a post shared on Facebook, a spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said: "Just after 8am this morning, one of our appliances was mobilised to the Milber area due to reports of a fire in the open. As crew members were responding to the station and getting ready, vast quantities of smoke could be seen rising in the distance.

"As a result the OIC (Officer In Charge) of the appliance didn't wait to get to the incident, but made the decision to request an additional fire appliance in anticipation that further resources would be required.

"Upon our arrival it was clear this was the correct decision as crews discovered a large fire which had already engulfed one garden along with a shed and hedgerows.

"It was also evident that the flames had already spread into four separate gardens and were beginning to catch a garage alight."

They continued: "Both crews from Newton and Torquay Fire Station quickly committed into the fire whilst wearing BA (breathing apparatus) under the instruction from the IC (Incident Commander). They took with them a variety of 51mm attack jets and hose reels to tackle the fire.

"Before long, the crews managed to contain the spread and fully extinguish the fire before it had a chance to inflict more damage.

"Crews have since returned to "home station". But with the dry conditions still continuing, none of us imagine it will be for long."

Firefighters rushed to the scene in the Milber area earlier this morning.(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)

Upon arrival, crews discovered a large blaze which had already engulfed a garden, along with a shed and hedgerows.(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)

It was also evident that the flames had also spread to four other gardens.(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)