A BUS converted into a camper was seriously damaged in a fire at Kenton yesterday afternoon.

Initially one appliance from Dawlish was sent to smoke seen in the distance at 3.40pm.

A Fire Service spokesperson said: ‘On arrival the crew discovered a vehicle alight close to a barn and requested two further appliances. Middlemoor and Danes Castle (Exeter) were sent.

‘Firefighters used one hose reel jet, one safety jet and wore two breathing apparatus to tackle the fire. 

‘Subsequently a thermal imaging camera was used to check for hotspots and small tools for access.

‘The fire involved a former single decker bus that had been converted to camper accommodation. A propane cylinder was removed but not involved in the fire.

‘The vehicle was 70 per cent severely damaged by fire the remaining 30 per cent damaged by heat and smoke.

‘Slight smoke damage affected the neighbouring barn although the contents were undamaged.

‘The cause of the fire was recorded as accidental.’