Vehicle 'severely damaged' in fire on A361 road in North Devon

A vehicle has been severely damaged by fire after a driver was forced to abandon their car on a major North Devon road this morning (February 17), the North Devon Gazette understands. 

Emergency services were called to the A361 at Bish Mill, near South Molton, following reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames.

The incident began when the driver noticed the vehicle starting to overheat, according to local business Devon 4x4 Ltd, based at the nearby Southlea Business Park.

Speaking to the North Devon Gazette, a spokesperson for the firm said the driver had initially seen "steam" coming from the bonnet.

“As they went to pull across the carriageway to find somewhere safe to stop and investigate, they smelt burning and plumes of smoke started to bellow from the vehicle,” they added.

Firefighters from South Molton Fire Station were mobilised to the scene earlier today.

Crews used breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to tackle the blaze. A thermal imaging camera and small tools were also deployed to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to check for remaining hotspots.

The fire service confirmed the vehicle suffered “severe damage” in the blaze.

A road closure was put in place on the A361 while the incident was resolved, causing temporary disruption to local traffic. 

The road has since been cleared.