Exeter City issue new statement after stadium fire with update on next home game

Exeter City have released a fresh update on the damage caused by the fire at their stadium with it unclear if their next home fixture will be contested

Exeter City have confirmed where the fire at St James Park started in a new statement after earlier revealing doubts over whether or not their next League One clash at home will be able go ahead. Reports of the blaze emerged late on Wednesday evening with firefighters swiftly deployed and able to put out the fire.

Despite that, damage was still caused with the club confirming the fire was accidental in a new update on Thursday evening. “Following investigations by the fire service, it has been confirmed that the fire at St James Park last night was accidental,” it read.

“While the exact cause remains unknown, the incident originated in an area used for waste storage. The fire service has ruled out an electrical fault as a cause.

READ MORE: Exeter City fire: Club breaks silence after flames rip through stadiumREAD MORE: Fire service issues major update on late-night Exeter City FC stadium blaze

“We are extremely grateful for the many messages of support and offers of assistance from local businesses and the wider community. Clean up work is already underway, and we would like to thank everyone involved for their swift response and support.”

The Grecians had already posted several updates earlier in the day which included confirmation of an investigation into the cause and why the fire could prevent them from hosting Burton Albion on Saturday, November 23.

The former query has not yet been answered, but a clear update has been issued on the impact fire damage could have on matchday proceedings.

Part of an afternoon statement read: “The fire, which broke out in the St James Road and Well Street corner of the stadium, caused damage to the buildings which house the stadium’s control room and medical room.

“Both areas have been damaged by the fire and the adjacent Adam Stansfield Stand has suffered some fire and smoke damage.

“The control room is critical to matchday operations, as it is where the safety team is based and the location from where the CCTV and supporters are monitored.

“We are working hard to ensure the home game against Burton Albion takes place on November 22 as scheduled. Thank you to the members of the public who reported the incident and for the fast response of the fire crews who brought the fire under control preventing further damage.

“We will continue to assess the damage today and will update when we have more information.”

Exeter are away at Leyton Orient this weekend before returning to their own patch the following Saturday for the visit of high-flying Burton. However, that fixture is in doubt given what area of the stadium the fire impacted.

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