A dramatic late-night blaze tore through a temporary classroom building, leaving it completely destroyed as firefighters worked for hours to bring the incident under control.
Fire control received multiple 999 calls reporting a large fire on Saturday, April 11 in Totnes, prompting the mobilisation of three fire engines. On arrival, crews found a single-storey temporary structure, being used as a school classroom, well alight.
Firefighters used two hose reel jets, one foam jet, breathing apparatus and small tools to tackle the flames. Despite their efforts, the building was completely destroyed.
In a separate statement, Totnes Fire Station said crews were called at around midnight after a large glow could be seen lighting up the sky as firefighters made their way through the town.
They said: “At around midnight last night, Totnes crews were called to a fire in the open. As they made their way through the town to the station, a large glow could already be seen lighting up the sky — a clear indication of a well-developed fire.”
With multiple calls from members of the public, additional support was requested from neighbouring crews in Ashburton and Paignton.
Firefighters added: “On arrival at the incident, firefighters found a temporary building well alight. With multiple calls coming in from concerned members of the public, Fire Control mobilised additional support from Ashburton and Paignton to assist.”
Due to the location of the fire, crews were required to set up a water relay system, travelling back and forth to the nearest hydrant to maintain supplies while tackling the blaze and preventing it from spreading to a nearby structure.
They said: “Due to the location, crews set up a water relay, travelling back and forth to the nearest hydrant to keep water supplies flowing. While this was underway, Totnes firefighters worked hard to tackle the fire and, importantly, prevent it from spreading to a nearby structure.”
At the height of the incident, crews used two hose reel jets, a main jet, a compressed air foam system jet, small tools and a thermal imaging camera.
They added: “At the height of the incident, crews used two hose reel jets, a main jet, and a CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) jet, small tools and a thermal imaging camera (TIC) to bring the fire under control.”
The scene was later handed over to police, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Firefighters remained at the scene until around 4am before returning to the station.
They said: “Crews returned to station at around 4am, ensuring all equipment and PPE were cleaned, checked, and ready for the next call.”
Police also attended the incident.
Totnes Fire Station thanked the public for raising the alarm quickly.
They said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their vigilance in reporting the fire so quickly, and for your patience while crews worked at the scene. Your support plays a vital role in helping us keep Totnes safe.”
The station also encouraged anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter to visit during Thursday evening drill nights.
