Paramedics remove gas cannisters in ambulance fire

The paramedics' decision to remove oxygen tanks allowed firefighters to fight the fire safely

Firefighters have praised the "quick thinking" of paramedics who removed oxygen cylinders when their ambulance caught fire.

The ambulance was destroyed after catching fire on the A38 on Monday near Bovey Tracey.

But firefighters said the paramedics' decision to remove the plumbed-in tanks allowed them "to fight the fire as safely as possible".

"Thankfully, no-one was injured during this incident, and the quick thinking actions of the paramedics onboard significantly helped reduce the risk to all around," the service said.

The service said crews from Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey Fire Stations attended and controlled the blaze using breathing apparatus and hoses.

It also said the incident was "not a usual way we work with our ambulance service colleagues, but it was another incident that was concluded safely due to everyone's close working relationships".

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said the ambulance was not one of its vehicles nor a private ambulance operating on its behalf.