A Devon school has been left “severely damaged” after being engulfed by flames on Sunday afternoon.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue were called to the Promise School in Okehampton at around 3.30pm following reports of “flames” and “thick black smoke”.
Around 15 fire engines, along with specialist appliances, were dispatched to the scene.
By 5.45pm, the fire service confirmed the blaze had created a “significant smoke plume” and caused extensive damage to the building.
Sgt Tom Ottley, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said there was “significant damage to the entire school”.
“[It is] quite a significant sized blaze, fire have it under control, we don’t believe there’s any further risk to property or any casualties at the moment, so it’s just about trying to control the damage and assess the damage thereafter,” he said.
Residents described seeing thick smoke billowing across the area.
Glennon Walters, who lives nearby, said his three-year-old son first spotted it through their window.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue were called to the Promise School in Okehampton at around 3.30pm
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He said: “It was dark smoke, so that normally means something industrial.
“So we knew it was up in the industrial estate just from the smoke, but we didn’t realise it was the new school until we took the pictures.”
Police urged residents in the Stockley Hamlet area to close windows and doors and avoid the area where possible.
Road closures were put in place, with traffic monitoring service Inrix reporting Exeter Road shut in both directions between Beardown Road and the A30 at Okehampton Services, with the B3260 also closed
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The Promise School, which was on term break, was expected to re-open on Monday
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The Promise School, which was on term break, was expected to re-open on Monday.
However, the school will now be closed for the “immediate future”, according to a message from principal Quentin Gunderson.
Reform councillor James Grainger said: “Many of you will already be aware of the serious fire at the Promise School in Okehampton, which has sadly destroyed the building.
“The most important news is that everyone is safe and no one has been hurt.”
He said the cause of the blaze had not yet been confirmed but suggested it may have been electrical, ruling out arson.
The school specialises in special educational needs and disabilities (Send), and provides 100 places to students.
Local businesses including a gym, restaurant and foodbank have offered support to affected families.
Anyone who works in the local area was urged to check travel information on Monday.
