A terrifying scene unfolded late Tuesday night at St James Park, home of Exeter City Football Club, as flames engulfed a section of the historic stadium.
The fire, reported around 10:10 p.m., quickly took hold of a temporary building housing the stadium’s control room, situated between the away end and the Adam Stansfield stand. Witnesses described a rapidly escalating blaze that illuminated the night sky.
Five crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service raced to the scene, battling the inferno for over two hours to prevent it from spreading further. The intensity of the fire demanded a significant response, utilizing specialized equipment and breathing apparatus.
Initial reports indicate the fire originated from an electrical consumer unit, swiftly spreading to an adjacent portacabin and nearby storage. Approximately 60% of the portacabin was destroyed, along with significant damage to electrical systems.
Exeter City FC swiftly confirmed the incident, acknowledging damage to a small area of the stadium. A club statement expressed gratitude to the public for reporting the fire and praised the swift action of the fire crews.
Firefighters employed a comprehensive approach, utilizing hose reel jets, safety jets, hydraulic rescue equipment, and thermal imaging cameras to combat the blaze and ensure its containment. Positive pressure ventilation fans were also deployed to clear smoke and improve visibility.
As dawn broke, fire crews remained on site, continuing to monitor the situation and address any remaining hotspots. A thorough assessment of the damage to the stands is underway, with a full investigation planned to determine the precise cause of the fire.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Exeter City community, raising concerns about potential disruptions to upcoming matches and stadium operations. The club has promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses and the extent of the damage becomes clear.
