A devastating blaze has forced a school to shut its doors indefinitely after flames tore through part of the site over the weekend.
A serious fire broke out at The Promise School in Okehampton at around 3.30pm on Sunday, February 22 . The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Emergency services remain at the scene and, as of 7am on Monday, February 23 , the incident was still described as ongoing by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Residents in the Stockley Hamlet area were advised to keep their doors and windows closed overnight.
In a message published on the school’s website, principal Quentin Gunderson said the damage meant the school would not reopen as planned following the half-term break.
Quentin said: “URGENT NOTICE: a serious fire has occurred on the school site today the cause of which is unknown.
“The emergency services are currently in attendance.
“Due to the extent of the damage, the school will need to be closed for the immediate future.
“We will provide further updates as soon as we receive more information from the fire service and the Trust, including provision for ongoing learning.
“Please do not come onto the school site at this time, as access is restricted for safety reasons.”
Pupils had been due to return to classes on Monday after the half-term holiday. However, school officials confirmed the site would remain closed for the foreseeable future because of the damage sustained in the blaze.
Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the area while emergency crews continue their work. Further updates are expected once more information is available from the fire service and DMAT.
