A large fire tore through a school building in the Devon town of Okehampton on Sunday afternoon, sending thick black smoke billowing across the skyline and prompting a major emergency response from local fire and police services.
Crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue were alerted shortly after 15:30 GMT to reports of flames and heavy smoke at The Promise School, a recently opened educational facility serving children with additional needs.
Fire control operators dispatched around 15 fire engines along with specialist appliances, including aerial ladders and water carriers, as the blaze rapidly intensified. Emergency responders described the incident as a “significant sized fire” with smoke visible from several miles away.
Initial reports indicated flames had broken through the roof structure, raising fears of widespread damage. Witnesses said the smoke plume darkened the afternoon sky, creating hazardous conditions for nearby residents and workers.
Glennon Walters, a local resident who lives near the school, said his young son first noticed the smoke from their home.
“It was dark smoke, so that normally means something industrial,” said Glennon Walters. “We thought it must be the industrial estate, but we didn’t realise it was the new school until we got closer and took pictures.”
Drone images taken from the area showed significant roof damage, with flames visible through gaps in the structure while firefighters directed high-pressure hoses from above and ground level. Several engines lined surrounding streets as crews worked to prevent the fire spreading further.
By early evening, the fire service confirmed the blaze had created a “significant smoke plume” and warned of severe structural damage to the building. Despite the intensity of the fire, officials said there were no reports of injuries or casualties.
Police officers from Devon and Cornwall Police established a safety cordon around the site, urging residents in nearby Stockley Hamlet to keep doors and windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation. Drivers were also advised to avoid the area while emergency vehicles continued operations.
Sergeant Tom Ottley said the focus had shifted to containing the blaze and protecting surrounding property.
“It is quite a significant sized blaze,” he said. “Fire crews have it under control and we don’t believe there’s any further risk to property or any casualties at the moment. It’s about controlling the damage and assessing the situation afterwards.”
The school, which had only recently begun serving pupils, is believed to have suffered damage across much of the roof and upper sections. The full extent of the destruction will not be known until structural assessments are completed.
Authorities said they were already in contact with school administrators and parents to outline contingency plans for the coming days. Updates about alternative arrangements for students are expected to be communicated overnight.
Residents described a heavy emergency presence throughout the afternoon and evening, with fire engines arriving from towns across Devon to support the effort. Some said the smell of smoke lingered long after the flames were brought under control.
Emergency crews remained at the scene into the night damping down hotspots and checking for hidden pockets of fire within the structure. Firefighters often continue such operations for hours after visible flames subside to prevent reignition.
Investigators will begin examining the cause once the site is safe to enter. Officials have not yet speculated on whether the blaze was accidental or related to electrical or construction issues.
The incident has sparked concern among families who rely on the specialist school, many of whom praised firefighters for their swift response. Community members gathered nearby as crews worked, watching anxiously as smoke continued to drift above the damaged roof.
Local authorities stressed that public safety remained their priority and encouraged people to follow official updates before travelling through the area.
For now, the focus remains on securing the building, supporting affected families, and ensuring learning can resume as quickly as possible after a dramatic day that left a vital community facility severely scarred by fire.
