FIRE crews from Crediton and Exeter and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Environmental Protection Unit dealt with a hazardous material incident in Crediton during the early hours of this morning, Wednesday, January 7.

The Environmental Protection Unit attended for decontamination purposes.

The fire service attended from about 4am to 6.30am at The Lodge, Western Road.

There are no reports of any injuries or other detail.

Crediton Fire Station Commander Neil Hargreaves said it had been a very busy start to the New Year for Crediton firefighters.

He said: “With this morning’s incident, we have attended 10 incidents so far this year.

“That included four incidents on New Year’s Day, one of which was a property fire and the other a fire in the open.

“We have attended two alarm calls, three co-responder incidents and two involving the attendance of the Crediton pod support vehicle, one of which was the compost fire at Brixham.”

Neil said that Crediton Fire Station is looking to recruit prospective on-call (retained) firefighters.

Men and women who live and/or work within five minutes response time to the fire station are wanted to potentially save lives in fire, flood and road traffic emergencies.

On-call crews are paid, trained professionals working to the same high standards as full-time firefighters (termed wholetime by DSFRS).

Depending on the type of cover given, an on-call firefighter may respond from home and/or work, day and/or night.

Anyone interested will need to be over 18 and have a good level of fitness and strength, however, sometimes people overestimate the levels required and this can deter them (particularly women) from applying.

If you are interested please go along to Crediton Fire Station, Charlotte Street, Crediton, EX17 3BJ, on any Tuesday evening between 7pm and 9pm to find out more.

Alternatively, telephone DSFRS for further details on 01392 872294 or visit the website: www.dsfire.gov.uk .