Fire crews who battled a major blaze at a specialist school have shared behind-the-scenes details of the incident on social media, describing an overwhelming show of support from the local community.
The Promise School in Okehampton suffered “significant” damage after a fire broke out on Sunday, February 22, leading to the collapse of part of the roof. The academy, which caters for pupils aged four to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, had been due to reopen on Monday after half-term.
In posts published on Monday, February 23, several Devon fire stations outlined the scale of the response and thanked residents and businesses for their support.
Okehampton Fire Station said two pumps and an aerial ladder platform remained at the scene as crews continued to damp down hotspots.
The station said: “As crews continue to damp down hot spots at the Promise School, with two pumps and an aerial ladder platform in attendance, the community continues to show its support to the firefighters at the incident by providing food and refreshments.
“The support, not just for us, but for everyone affected has been truly overwhelming by local business.
“Over the last 24 hours, the community has really come together in an incredible way.
“We can only say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express.”
Newton Abbot Fire Station also described its role after being mobilised at around 7pm on Sunday as part of a relief strategy.
In a post shared on February 23, it said: “Yesterday evening at around 1900 one appliance from Newton Abbot fire station was mobilised to Okehampton as part of a relief strategy to take over from crews who had been tackling a large blaze at a primary school within the town.
“Even though multiple crews had been tackling the fire since 1530 with herculean effort, upon our arrival The Promise Primary School was still well alight with smoke and flames issuing from the building.
“The crew from Newton Abbot took over operations in sector 1 (Front of the building). Our firefighters utilised two 51mm attack jets in an attempt to suppress the fire from ground level.
“During the night we also supplied one of the ALP’s (Aerial Ladder platform) in attendance with water and BA (Breathing Apparatus) wearers to provide an attack on the blaze from above.”
The station added that a high volume pump was requested to assist with water supply and said that, at its height, 12 fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms, three bowsers, one high volume pump and a variety of specialist vehicles from a total of 25 stations were in attendance.
It added: “Our crew was relieved in the early hours and returned home at around 0500 this morning.
“After ensuring the equipment was cleaned, items replaced and the fire appliance was washed, our firefighters then had an opportunity to get their heads down for a few hours sleep at least until they were awoken for a fire alarm call at around 0930 today.
“We would like to extend a massive thank you to the London Inn and The Copper Key for supplying 50 portion of chips for crews.
“It’s brilliant to see how the Okehampton community pulled together during this large scale incident.
“Although we never expect it, food is always well received by the crews on scene.”
Buckfastleigh Fire Station said it was dispatched at 7pm as a relief crew and took command of the water sector.
In its statement, the station said: “Yesterday at 1900 hours, we were dispatched as a relief crew to the Promise School in Okehampton.
“Upon arrival, we assumed command of the water sector and utilized our pump as one of several water shuttles.
“This multi-shuttle operation became necessary due to the on-scene water supply being overwhelmed, necessitating the sourcing of water from further afield whilst a high-volume pump was being established.
“A huge thanks to Yelverton Fire Station, who were on standby at Okehampton fire station, for connecting to the hydrant and assisting us to refill, which significantly sped up the process and enabled a quicker return to the fire ground to deliver water.
“Once the high-volume pump was established we set up firefighter decontamination and breathing apparatus cleaning stations.
“We then reorganised all hose lines to ensure a more organised and safer operational area on the fire ground.
“We returned to station just before 0300 hours this morning to clean down the appliance and ensure it was operationally ready to respond again.
“Our thoughts are with the school community at this challenging time.”
The fire prompted a major emergency response, with crews from 18 stations across Devon tackling the blaze from around 4pm on Sunday and overnight into Monday. Roads were closed while the incident was brought under control.
In a statement on the school’s website, principal Quentin Gunderson said the school would be closed “for the immediate future” due to the extent of the damage.
Quentin said: “We will provide further updates as soon as we receive more information from the fire service and the Trust, including provision for ongoing learning.”
Community groups have also offered support to families affected by the closure, including Okehampton Community Kitchen and Foodbank and SEND Help Plymouth.
