A major emergency response has been launched after a large fire tore through the roof of a school, sending thick black smoke billowing across the skyline and prompting road closures.
Fire control received multiple calls reporting a fire at The Promise School in Dartmoor View, Okehampton. Flames and dense smoke could be seen from a distance, with the length of the school roof involved in the blaze.
One resident who filmed the incident said the building ‘had gone’.
Six fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers were initially mobilised to the scene. Police also attended.
By 5pm on Sunday, February 22, six further fire appliances had been sent to provide additional firefighters and water.
An update at 5.45pm said crews were using water jets and aerial ladder platforms to tackle the fire. A significant smoke plume had formed in the area and the building was described as severely damaged. No injuries were reported.
At 7.36pm, there were three water bowsers at the scene and road closures were in place. Crews continued working to extinguish the fire using aerial ladder platforms, water and foam jets, while providing protection to an adjacent building.
Residents in the Stockley Hamlet area were advised to ensure doors and windows were closed due to the smoke. Residents have also reported struggling with tap water during the incident.
By 8.28pm, a high-volume pump had been set up to assist efforts to bring the fire under control.
Fire crews from Appledore, Hatherleigh, Okehampton, Torrington, Torquay, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Danes Castle, Crediton, Cullompton, Honiton, Plympton, Middlemoor and Wellington attended the incident.
The last update was issued at 9.11pm on Sunday, February 22.
Residents have been rallying to help.
Councillor James Grainger said: “Many of you will already be aware of the serious fire at the Promise school in Okehampton, which has sadly destroyed the building.
“The most important news is that everyone is safe and no one has been hurt. I wanted to wait to comment publicly until this had been fully confirmed by the fire service.
“The cause of the fire is not yet certain, though early indications suggest it may be an electrical fire and arson can be ruled out.
“Please also take extra care if travelling on the A30. If the wind direction changes, smoke could drift across the road and reduce visibility.
“Thank you to our fire crews and emergency services for their swift response, and to the community for their patience while the situation is being managed.”
Josh Ware from Future Bodies Gym wrote: “If there are any children who may benefit from a safe space to release energy and reset over the coming days, weeks, or months, we’re happy to provide dedicated, structured coaching sessions to help support their wellbeing.
“We already have an arrangement in place that allows teachers to bring pupils into our facilities, however we appreciate that this may be difficult under the current circumstances.
“I’ll be contacting the school directly tomorrow to discuss how we can help.”
