Totnes Fire Crew one of nine crews to attend Christmas Eve fire in Torquay

Nine fire crews, including Totnes, attended the kitchen of a hotel in Torquay on Christmas Eve through until Christmas Day. 

Four occupants of the fire were escorted from the Headland Hotel in Torquay by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service using ladders. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called at 10.47pm on Christmas Eve to the kitchen of a hotel in Torquay.

A DSFRS spokesperson said: "On arrival crews confirmed that not all persons had evacuated or been accounted for, so a further fire engine was sent. Shortly after this crews requested further personnel for assistance, so another two fire engines and a command support unit were sent.

"Crews were using breathing apparatus, to assist in the evacuation of residents. A further request for assistance was requested, which resulted in a further four fire engines being mobilised (10 in total). 

"This was a fire in the kitchen area of the hotel, which was heavily smoke logged on the ground and first floor. There were at least eight rooms that still needed to be checked for occupants. Up to eight firefighters using breathing apparatus were searching the remaining rooms.

"By 0051 hours it was confirmed that all persons had been accounted for. Crews are still in attendance with Police and Ambulance and are assisting in re-homing the occupants. Crews have extinguished the fire and are currently damping down hotspots and the number of fire engines in attendance is being reduced.

"Four occupants were escorted out by fire crews using ladders."

The fire was out by 4.30am on Christmas Day. 

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.

The spokesperson added: "All guests have been moved to alternative accommodation.

"The fire is now out. The kitchen was 100 per cent damaged by fire and the dining area 100 per cent smoke damaged. The remainder of the hotel was slightly smoke damaged."