Guests evacuated as Torquay hotel hit by Christmas fire
It broke out in the kitchen on Christmas Eve
Guests booked into a seaside hotel for Christmas had to be evacuated last night (December 24) after a fire broke out in the kitchen.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said 10 fire engines were called to the Headland Hotel in Torquay just after 10pm on Christmas Eve.
Four people were rescued from the hotel by firefighters using ladders.
A fire service spokesman said: "This was a fire in the kitchen area of the hotel, which was heavily smoke-logged on the ground and first floor.
"There were at least eight rooms that still needed to be checked for occupants.
"Up to eight firefighters using breathing apparatus were searching the remaining rooms."
By 1am it had been confirmed that everyone had been accounted for.
"The kitchen was 100% damaged by fire and the dining area 100% smoke-damaged," the spokesman added.
"The remainder of the hotel was slightly smoke-damaged.
"All guests have been moved to alternative accommodation."