BOTH Crediton fire crews and one from Danes Castle, Exeter, fought a blaze at the Trawlers Catch fish and chip shop at 40 High Street, Crediton, on Wednesday evening, May 28. Firefighters were called to the scene at about 7.32pm and found the fire involved the deep fat fryer. Crews used two sets of breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and a covering jet for safety, increasing breathing apparatus to four and using a dry powder extinguisher. Police attended to deal with the traffic and one lane of the A377 High Street was closed to allow firefighters to work. As the incident became more serious the road was completely closed as the crews fought the blaze. Compressed foam was also used to help put out the fire. Thick black smoke bellowed from the chimney and from windows at the property. A turntable ladder was brought in to assist in assessing the roof of the property and check the fire was out. The General Sir Redvers Buller public house, the neighbouring On Bong Chinese takeaway and some private dwellings were evacuated while fire crews dealt with the incident. A police cordon was also put in place as spectators gathered on pavements to watch as the scene unfolded. There was concern for some pets kept in an accommodation flat above the fish and chip shop. A thermal imaging camera was used to check the fire was out. A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that if it had not been for the swift action of the Crediton crews first on the scene, the incident could have been much worse. Crews remained at the scene for some hours. The shop is expected to be closed for some time to allow equipment to be replaced and repairs to be made. Alan Quick