Smoke from Derelict Torquay Hotel Fire Prompts Health Warnings

A fire at the derelict Sherwood Hotel in Torquay has caused large amounts of smoke, prompting health warnings and road closures. Emergency services continue to tackle the blaze, which has affected multiple floors of the building.

Fire at Derelict Sherwood Hotel in Torquay

Residents in Torquay are being advised to keep their windows closed due to "large amounts of smoke" emanating from a fire at the derelict Sherwood Hotel on Belgrave Road, Devon.

Emergency services have urged those living near the former hotel to shut all windows and doors to avoid potential health risks and to stay clear of the area.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported that this incident marks the second time within three days that crews have been dispatched to the same building.

Naked flames behind a window of the hotel. There is thick black smoke inside and outside of the former hotel. — Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it was the second time in three days that crews had been called to the building

Fire Response and Road Closures

The fire was first reported at approximately 13:50 BST on Sunday, prompting the initial deployment of four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to the scene. Authorities have closed Belgrave Road in both directions from Falkland Road to the A379, Torbay Road, to facilitate emergency operations.

Black smoke coming from the derelict hotel in Torquay. The smoke is black and is filling the sky. A firefighter is on an ariel ladder to the right fighting the fire. — The fire service said the fire involves "multiple floors"

The fire service confirmed that the blaze affected "multiple floors within the three-storey derelict hotel."

Additional Resources Deployed

By around 14:30, the fire service requested reinforcement with two additional fire engines, a second aerial ladder platform, and an incident commander from Totnes.

Later, at about 15:20, crews called for four more fire engines, a welfare unit from Ivybridge, an environmental protection unit from Taunton, and a hazardous material officer to assist with the incident.

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An ariel view of smoke bellowing from the derelict hotel. The building is white and the roof is black with smoke. — Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called at 14:50 BST

Ongoing Firefighting Efforts

At 16:41, the fire service provided an update stating:

"Steady progress is being made monitoring and extinguishing the fire."

Current firefighting efforts include the use of two aerial ladder platforms, hydrants, hose reel jets, safety jets, and breathing apparatus.

Police Involvement and Public Advisory

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that multiple fire and police officers are present at the scene. They advised the public:

"Please avoid the area for the time being."

"The advice is for residents, and particularly those nearest to the hotel, to close all windows and doors to prevent any health issues."

Authorities have also requested that anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity related to the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage come forward and contact the police.

Previous Incidents at the Sherwood Hotel

On the preceding Friday, five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform responded to the same location following multiple calls received around 09:05. That incident was declared closed at approximately 17:00.

The hotel has a history of fires, including one in March 2024. Additionally, in October 2025, Devon and Cornwall Police closed the building for three months, describing it as an "anti-social behaviour magnet."