Dozens of firefighters tackle pub blaze
Dozens of firefighters are tackling a large thatch blaze at the Ring of Bells pub in North Bovey, Dartmoor.
Fire appliances from across Devon and Somerset were mobilised to reports of the thatch roof alight, shortly after 11.30am today (Wednesday 13 January).
Crews from, Chagford, Bovey Tracey, North Tawton, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Ashburton, Torquay, Exeter Danes Castle, Totnes and the High Volume Pump from Taunton (crewed by Wellington) are in attendance.
A spokesperson for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: “This is a thatched public house, consisting of 2 floors. The roof is well alight, crews have sectorised the incident into sectors 1 and 3.
“Firefighters are at work at this time with four breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets, a safety jet, two 135 ladders and a compressed air foam jet. Crews are carrying out salvage works.
“Crews made pumps 10 and requested the telehandler from Stn 60 at Service Headquarters.
“Western Power and an Environmental Agency Rep have also been requested to attend.”
Below is the fire service log:
At 14:13
Building is now fully involved in fire, crews are currently at work with 3 compressed air foam (CAFS) jets, 2 hose reel jets, 1 safety jet, 2 breathing apparatus wearers, 2 135 ladders, small tools and a thermal imaging camera.
At 16:47
Steady progress is being made, crews are at work, as previous but with 4 breathing apparatus wearers. The building inspector has attended, and at this time is satisfied with the integrity of the premises. Relief crews are en-route from Hatherleigh, Torrington, Dawlish, Ivybridge and Tavistock.
At 21:59
Steady progress is being made. Relief crews have been sent to the incident. Breathing Apparatus wearers are now at six wearers. Crews are still using two Hose Reel Jets, two Compressed Air Foam Jets, a 135m ladder and Safety at Height equipment.
At 23:24
The incident is now being scaled down to 2 appliances. Crews are continuing to turn over and damp down with 2 Breathing Apparatus.
Update 05:31 (Thursday 14 January)
Further relief crews have been arranged and crews continue to make steady progress.
Update 13:30
One crew remains at the scene to dampen down hotspots.
The fire is believed to have started by a spark or flame from the chimney flue in the loft space igniting the underside of the thatched roof.
The roof and first floor of the pub were destroyed and there was severe water and heat damage to the ground floor.
Residents are advised to get your chimney swept and to seek professional advice about having flues checked and lined, especially in thatched properties.
