Fire Forces Closure of The Promise School in Okehampton Indefinitely

A major fire at The Promise School in Okehampton has led to its indefinite closure. Firefighters from 18 stations continue to battle the blaze, with road restrictions in place and community support ongoing.

Fire Incident at The Promise School

Emergency services have been actively managing a significant fire at The Promise School in Okehampton, Devon, which caters to children with special educational needs. The fire was first reported at 15:30 GMT on Sunday, and firefighters have been working continuously since then.

The principal of the school, Quentin Gunderson, issued a statement indicating that the school will remain closed for the "immediate future" due to the damage caused by the fire. Further updates regarding arrangements for ongoing education will be provided in due course.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) confirmed that they had been operating through the night, with six fire engines and specialized equipment still present at the scene on Monday morning.

"Urgent notice - a serious fire has occurred on the school site, 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."

— Quentin Gunderson, Principal of The Promise School

Firefighters continue to tackle flames at the scene of a blaze at a school in Devon. The area has been cordoned off with red and white tape. — The Promise School's principal said the site would be closed for the "immediate future" after a fire

Firefighting Efforts and Investigation

According to DSFRS, crews from 18 different fire stations have responded to the incident since it was initially reported. Firefighters continue to utilize aerial ladder platforms, water jets, and a high-volume pump to combat the blaze.

"We still have six fire appliances at the scene plus special appliances and firefighters continue to use the aerial ladder platforms, water jets and a high-volume pump to bring water to the scene,"

a spokesperson for the fire service stated.

DSFRS also noted that an investigation into the cause of the fire will commence once the fire has been fully extinguished, and at present, no official cause has been determined.

Firefighters on an aerial ladder platform try to douse the flames of a large fire at a school in Devon with water. Plumes of smoke are rising into the sky. — Devon and Somerset Fire Service said crews from 18 different stations had attended the scene

Road Restrictions and Community Impact

Devon and Cornwall Police posted on Facebook at 00:40 that road restrictions remain in effect between Exeter Road at the junction with Fatherford Lane and the B3260 at Belstone overbridge to ensure public safety.

The Promise School, operated by the Dartmoor Multi-academy Trust, officially opened in September 2022. Students transitioned to the custom-built facility located in the centre of Okehampton at the start of the 2023/24 academic year. The school provides specialist support to approximately 100 children aged four to 16.

James Grainger, the Devon county councillor for Okehampton Rural, advised caution for motorists on the nearby A30, warning that smoke could drift across the road depending on wind conditions.

"Thank you to our fire crews and emergency services for their swift response, and to the community for their patience while the situation is being managed."

— James Grainger, Devon County Councillor for Okehampton Rural