Fire breaks out at Exeter City stadium as firefighters rush to tackle late-night blaze

A fire has broken out at Exeter City’s stadium with firefighters seen rushing to tackle the late-night blaze.
Eyewitness footage showed emergency services swarming to tackle the flames at St James Park.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was first called to the football ground at 10.10pm to reports of a fire.
Authorities confirmed the blaze first started in an electrical consumer unit before moving to a temporary cabin.
The fire service told GB News there had originally been fears that the flames would spread to one of the stands, however this was prevented.
It is thought the main risk was to the Adam Stansfield stand to the west of the stadium.
Five fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze, which was soon put out.
One bystander said they were first alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke, while another said she could hear an alarm blaring.
PICTURED: Firefighters could be seen tackling the blaze at the football ground
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Football fans took to social media as the blaze broke out.
One said: “Hopefully nobody has been hurt and there is minimal damage.”
Another added: “I really hope we can put it out as soon as possible.”
Even opposition fans showed their support.
One Portsmouth supporter said: “A reminder that Exeter are fan-owned just like Pompey [Portsmouth FC] once were.
Devastated football fans took to social media to share their horror
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“Hope for everyone there that the first isn’t as serious as it looks. If the worst happens it will be a bigger task than it is for most clubs. They deserve our support. Sending positive thoughts.”
St James Park currently has a certified capacity of 8,720 but only an operational capacity of 8,219.
Exeter City’s next game is on Saturday, November 15, away to Leyton Orient.
Their next home game is slated for December 9 against AFC Wimbledon.
The club are currently sitting at 19th in League One and last played at the stadium on November 8 when they drew 1-1 against Wigan.
St James Park currently has a certified capacity of 8,720 but only an operational capacity of 8,219
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Blazes at football grounds are rare, with the most infamous being the Bradford City stadium fire.
Some 56 spectators were killed and at least 265 were injured after the Valley Parade stadium in Bradford caught alight on May 11, 1985, during the final game of the season between Bradford City and Lincoln City.
Commentator John Helm first remarked on a small fire in the main stand at 3.40pm.
Within four minutes, due to strong winds, the blaze, thought to have been started by an unextinguished cigarette, had engulfed the entire main stand.
While many were able to escape onto the pitch, those at the back of the stand tried and failed to break through locked doors.
Multiple people were burnt to death in the turnstile gates which had been locked after the match began.
More than 50 people received police awards or commendations for bravery regarding the incident.




