Scout hut in Exmouth destroyed in suspected arson attack
It happened at around 5pm yesterday
A scout hut in Exmouth has been destroyed by fire, which is thought to have been an arson attack.
Two crews were sent to an old scout hut on fire, and on arrival requested another two appliances. The hut was well alight and crews got to work, with hose reel jets and a main jet to put the fire out.
Crews then requested a water bowser to assist with water supply.
A number of propane cylinders were believed to be in the hut.
One of these was safely removed.
Crews damped down, with fire investigation being undertaken.
The cause of the fire was deemed as deliberate ignition, and the hut was destroyed.
In a social media post, Exmouth Police said: "The 5th Exmouth Sea Scouts have lost their home and huge amounts of their camping kit including their scout tents, military mess tent, etc. The heat of the fire also affected nearby containers containing their kayaks and has melted a number of them.
"They are in the middle of slowly building a new hut next door (as funds come in) and whilst it's the old one that has burnt down, it's the old one that also contains everything. This is devastating for them and the youths in our community that they support."