Firefighters reflect on huge response to Okehampton school blaze
Crews from across Devon responded to the large fire at Promise Primary School
Firefighters from across Devon say they worked tirelessly to control a significant fire that broke out at Promise Primary School in Okehampton.
The blaze, which began at around 3:30pm on Sunday afternoon (22/02), continued throughout the night into Monday with multiple fire stations involved in the efforts to control it.
Newton Abbot Fire Station reported that its crew took over operations at the front of the building, using 51mm attack jets to suppress the fire from ground level.
Newton Abbot Fire Station said: "During the night we also supplied one of the ALP's (Aerial Ladder platform) in attendance with water and BA (Breathing Apparatus) wearers to provide an attack on the blaze from above."
According to the station, a High Volume Pump, capable of pumping water at 7,000 litres per minute, was requested to assist with the water supply.
They added: "Our crews worked throughout the night in conjunction with many other stations to continue to bring this incident to a safe conclusion. Our crew was relieved in the early hours and returned home at around 0500 this morning. After ensuring the equipment was cleaned, items replaced and the fire appliance was washed, our firefighters then had an opportunity to get their heads down for a few hours sleep......at least until they were awoken for a fire alarm call at around 0930 today."
At the height of the fire, 12 fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms, three bowsers, one High Volume Pump, and various specialist vehicles from 25 stations were on the scene.
Totnes Fire Station played a key role in command support and water delivery during the incident, with crews working in the early hours to coordinate efforts with Barnstaple Fire Station’s aerial ladder platform.
They said: "Teamwork, coordination and plenty of coffee carried the early hours. Crews were relieved at 6am and returned to station around 7.30am, where many then headed straight to their primary employment."
Both Newton Abbot and Totnes stations expressed gratitude to local businesses for their support.
Newton Abbot Fire Station said: "We would like to extend a massive thank you to the London Inn and The Copper Key for supplying 50 portion of chips for crews. It's brilliant to see how the Okehampton community pulled together during this large-scale incident. Although we never expect it, food is always well received by the crews on scene."
Totnes Fire Station also continues to recruit for on-call firefighters, reaching out for those who can provide coverage during daytime or weekends.
Totnes Fire Station said: "We are still recruiting. If you can provide daytime and or weekend cover, please pop down and have a chat with us on our drill night, Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm."