Okehampton: School severely damaged in major blaze
The school was due to reopen today (23/02) after the Half Term break
Last updated 10 hours ago
A devastating fire has caused significant damage to The Promise School in Okehampton, Devon.
Firefighters have been working tirelessly since they were first called to the scene at around 3:30 p.m. yesterday (22/02) to prevent further damage to the school building.
Fortunately, it's been confirmed that there are no reported injuries from the incident.
According to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, crews from 18 different stations are involved in the operation.
They are urging nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke.
The cause of the fire remains unknown - as their statement read last night: "Fire crews continue to tackle the fire at The Promise School, Okehampton.
"If you live in the area around the school, please keep your windows and doors closed due to the smoke."
Quentin Gunderson, the Principal of The Promise School, announced that the school will be closed for the foreseeable future.
He assured parents that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
He urged everyone to avoid visiting the school site due to safety concerns.
A statement said: "A serious fire has occurred on the school site today the cause of which is unknown.
"The emergency services are currently in attendance. Due to the extent of the damage, the school will need to be closed for the immediate future.
"We will provide further updates as soon as we receive more information from the fire service and the Trust, including provision for ongoing learning.
"Please do not come onto the school site at this time, as access is restricted for safety reasons."
Okehampton Community Kitchen has stepped in to offer assistance to affected families by providing emergency support and food.
They are committed to helping families, both in Okehampton and the surrounding area, cope with the aftermath of the fire.
They said: "We are providing emergency support to families affected by the fire at the Promise School.
"We don't know what will happen but until more suitable help is organised by the school we are providing a week of lunch food.
"We've done as much as we can today but if you are affected and need support please message us and we will arrange support for you tomorrow.
"We have always said we'd help every day of the year and occasions like this are an example of why. Children at the school are likely to struggle with the news and parents will struggle.
"If we can make that a tiny bit easier then we will.
"We are also supporting the families from outside Okehampton as much as we can."
Devon and Cornwall Police are closely working with fire services to manage the situation and have appealed to residents in Stockley Hamlet to ensure windows and doors remain shut.
A statement from police said: "We were called to reports of a fire at the Promise School, Okehampton at around 4pm on Sunday, 22 February.
"Officers supported the fire service with road closures in the area.
"There are no reports of any injuries, and no people are known to be missing or trapped.
"This morning, Monday 23 February, Exeter Road between Fatherford Lane and Texaco remains closed which will cause some disruption in the area. Highways are managing road closures.
"The cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious."