Drewsteignton is a 'village coming together' after a major fire broke out
The incident has been scaled back since the height of the fire at just before midnight last night (17 March)
Last updated 18th Mar 2025
Locals in one of Dartmoor's most picture postcard villages are supporting each other after more than 100 firefighters spent the night trying to prevent a thatch fire from spreading.
The cause of the fire - which saw a deluge of black smoke cover the National Trust village of Drewsteignton - is still being investigated.
Fire crews this morning (18 March) have confirmed that the incident has been scaled back - with just five engines in attendance, and teams making 'good progress' in stripping away the remaining thatch from a roof of a property which caught alight.
This all started at 8.43PM last night, when fire control received a few calls about the blaze - with eight engines from across the region immediately mobilised.
They were joined with a water bowser, aerial ladder platform, command unit, welfare unit, and several supporting fire officers - with the action ramping-up well into the early hours of this morning.
Read more: 'Large amount of black smoke' after thatch fire in Drewsteignton
Some of the locals impacted by the tragic scenes overnight were the owners of a community pub.
The team at the Drewe Arms said on Facebook: "14 engines and 100 fire fighters could not save the southern flank of thatched cottages opposite the pub when a fire started last night.
"A small blaze seemingly at the base of the middle thatch’s chimney was spotted at approximately 8.30pm and the fire service alerted. The wind took hold and the fire quickly spread across the thatched terrace. To supply enough water firefighters had to run a large bore pipe one mile down to the Teign.
"It is still not out (7.45am) but contained. Any structure left such as chimney stacks are teetering. The village is devastated and our hearts go out to our residents affected. It's truly tragic. The whole community will rally around all those involved.
"No one has been injured as far as we know.
"Despite sparks sent flying by strong gusts, the Drewe Arms and other buildings around the square were unscathed. The pub's new thatch (the only other thatch in the square) was quickly sprayed with fire guard by the service in an attempt to protect it. Simon our landlord and Ian from the pub team were there to provide tea and refreshments to the team throughout the night."
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue said: "We are currently responding to a thatched house fire in Drewsteignton. The road between Drewsteignton and Castle Drogo is closed and will remain closed until the fire has been fully dampened down at the property.
"Our crews are making steady progress at the scene, with four pumps, a high-volume pump, an aerial pump, and a command support unit in operation
"We are working closely with other agencies to ensure the village can be reopened as soon as possible.
"The cause of the fire is not yet known."
A spokesperson for National Trust said: "Fortunately, there were no injuries to the residents or animals, residents are currently staying in nearby accommodation.
"We are working closely with the affected residents to provide support during this difficult time. We thank the local community for their ongoing support and patience."