Arson at Oldway this morning 'is frustrating' says supporters as they work to reopen historic site
A fire in one of the buildings at Oldway Mansion this morning is being treated as arson and police say investigations continue.
Last updated 11th Feb 2021
Just before 830am, six fire engines were called to the famous site in Paignton - which is in the process of being reopened.
The fire in the Rotunda building caused minor damage but the chair of Oldway‘s friends' group Kathy Hughes says it’s 'frustrating'.
She said: "I rushed down there and fortunately it was quite a small fire.
"Someone has broken in and unfortunately it was deliberately started."
She added: "It is very frustrating, we only recently paid many thousands of pounds to have the building boarded up because of vandalism.
"We've had a spate of people getting into the building - even to the extent of being on the roof."
Three fire engines, two from Paignton and one from Torquay, along with the aerial ladder platform from Torquay were sent to the fire - following reports of smoke being seen.
Crews then requested assistance from a further three fire appliances, sent from Torquay, Totnes and Buckfastleigh.
The incident command unit from Totnes, the incident support unit from Bovey Tracey and a support pump from Newton Abbot also attended.
Crews then requested a water bowser, the nearest being Danes Castle.
At 1057, crews confirmed that the incident would be scaled down, and no more resources were required on scene.
The fire cause is suspected to be arson, and crews are working with the Police.