The cause of the huge emergency response has been revealed
19:54, 05 Dec 2025Updated 20:02, 05 Dec 2025
A spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station explained the cause of the incident(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
A highly corrosive acid spill and a “subsequent gas release” were behind the huge emergency response at Plymouth University this afternoon.
We reported earlier today how specialist firefighters descended on the Davy building at the university campus off Drake Circus, opposite The Box.
Police were initially contacted at 2.10pm regarding an incident in a lab understood to be used by chemistry students.
Now, it has been revealed by Newton Abbot Fire Station that it is believed to be a spill of nitric acid. A highly corrosive mineral acid that can be dangerous to humans.
A spokesperson for the fire station said: “Currently, one crew and the Environmental Protection Unit from Newton Abbot fire station are in attendance at reports of a chemical spill in Plymouth at the Davy building. Our crew was mobilised at around 1400 when reports of what is believed to be a nitric acid spill on the fourth floor of the building were received by 999 fire control.
Specialist equipment was used to tackle the incident(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
“This is an incident that is still ongoing at this time, however, a number of firefighters in gas tight suits and breathing apparatus have entered the building to ascertain the severity of the spill and investigate concern for a subsequent gas release.
“Following on from this reconnaissance, plans will be formulated on how to best resolve the incident in a safe and timely manner.
“As a specialist decontamination and hazardous materials team, our crew have been responsible for the decontamination of those firefighters.
A portable shower was erected at the scene(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
“We have set up our MD4 structure which is a purpose built shower that can be inflated at the scene of any incident. All the water from this shower will also be contained separately and disposed of safely to ensure no local water sources are contaminated by fire service actions.
“There is a chance this incident may be ongoing, so we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience and consideration as we deal with this incident.”
Earlier today, witnesses spoke of seeing around eight fire appliances at the scene, including the aerial platform from Crownhill fire station. In addition officers from Devon and Cornwall Police were seen to be assisting firefighters along with paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service.
Responders had to be hosed down(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
A spokesperson for the service told PlymouthLive this afternoon (Friday): “We are currently responding to a chemical leak inside the University of Plymouth’s Davy Building.
“There are eight appliances at the scene, along with some specialist appliances. The building has been evacuated, and all persons have been accounted for.”
Nitric acid is a highly corrosive inorganic compound. It is colourless, and most commercially available nitric acid has a concentration of 68 per cent in water.
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