#exeter-city

#exeter-city

"The fire is understood to have broken out in the St James Road and Well Street corner of the stadium and caused damage to the temporary building which houses the stadium's control room," Exeter City said. "The alarm was raised just after 10pm and the fire was attended by more than five fire crews who brought the flames under control within two hours."

Firefighters tackled the blaze at St James Park after smoke was seen billowing from a portacabin near the Well Street end of the ground at about 22:00 GMT on Wednesday. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said the fire started in an electrical unit, before spreading to a temporary building - the football club a small area of the stadium had been damaged. By midnight, the fire had been extinguished, with ventilation fans used to clear smoke.

After a wait of two-and-a-half years one of the fiercest rivalries in English football returns on Thursday night as Exeter City host Plymouth Argyle. In a county far away from most other football clubs and more known for holidays and cream teas the Devon derby is a huge deal - Exeter's St James Park sold out weeks ago and the game is live on television.