80 firefighters in Devon work through the night to tackle pub blaze
Fire crews remain on the scene at the Jolly Sailor pub in Ogwell
Last updated 24th Apr 2021
Around 80 firefighters and 12 appliances from across Devon have been working through the night in a bid to save a pub from collapse.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service first received reports yesterday afternoon (Friday 23rd April) to a thatched pub that was 'well alight'.
A large number of resources were scrambled to the Jolly Sailor pub in East Ogwell.
At around 8pm, crews said they were making good progress. They were able to enter the building to salvage items of value before the blaze progressed and were then forced to leave as it was in danger of collapsing.
Thatch was removed from the property where possible to reduce the amount of flammable material, while neighbouring houses were sprayed with foam to help protect them from flying embers.
In their latest update, they revealed that crews were still on the scene dampening down hotspots. Relief crews from across the county were also starting to arrive.
"Fire control received calls for a thatch roof fire at a pub in Ogwell.
"Fire crews from Newton Abbot, Torquay, Ashburton, Paignton, Bovey Tracey, Teignmouth were mobilised alongside the water carrier and aerial platform ladder from Torquay, the command unit from Totnes and the welfare unit from Ivybridge.
"Upon arrival crews confirmed this was a thatched property approximately 20 metres by 10 metres fully involved in fire."
Update at 20:00
"Crews are surrounding the property and have made good progress - earlier they were able to enter the building to salvage items of value, but now the fire has progressed we are fighting the fire from outside only due to risk of building collapse.
"There are a number of fire pockets inside where the fire has dropped down from the roof.
"We are continuing to remove the thatch where possible to reduce the amount of flammable material.
"We have sprayed surrounding properties with compressed air foam which helps to protect from flying embers from the fire (there are a number of other thatched properties in the area).
"We currently have 12 appliances at the scene, including an aerial platform."
Update at 22:30
"Steady progress still being made removing thatch and dampening down hotspots. Relief crews are now arriving on the scene from Modbury, Chagford, Tiverton, Plympton and Clyst st George.
"Some resources are being scaled back however we will remain at the incident overnight."
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service