Exeter blaze declared 'major incident' by fire service
The Royal Clarence Hotel - reported to be the first hotel in England - is destroyed by fire
Gold Command declared as fire crews continue to tackle blaze
Appeal to key holders in Cathedral Green to come forward as emergency services fear fire might spread
Fire crews send team to get water from River Exe
South West Water asks city residents to restrict their water use
Fire initially started in a gallery at 05:20 near Exeter Cathedral
'About 110 firefighters' are at the scene and a cordon has been set up
Firefighters from Dorset to help Devon crews
Roads are closed across the city
Updates on Friday 28 October 2016
Claire Jones
BBC News Online
At the scene of the fire, the BBC's Richard Green says "firefighters are desperately trying to save the historical buildings".
"It is sad and devastating, this is the most historic part of the city of Exeter and is set to be changed forever."
Image source, Robert Hill
Chris Ellis
BBC News Online
Claire Jones
BBC News Online
Historian Dr Todd Gray said Beatrix Potter visited the hotel in 1892, looked out and said "what a fine view this is".
"It was the place to be. It was where the anti slavery people met in the 1700s and 1800s, this is where they planned abolition.
"It had a murkier past later on and it was where the fascists met in the 1930s. It’s a key building for Exeter," he said.
Image source, Getty ImagesDr Gray said the hotel was also the first to declare themselves as a hotel before that they had inns.
“I’m just hoping that they can contain it to the 18th Century top and not go further down. To lose this would be a great tragedy for Exeter.
"Hopefully the firemen will be able to pull off a miracle and save what is a very important building to Exeter and to millions of people over the years who pour into the close to have a look.” he added.
James Vickery
BBC Radio Devon
The flames are really visible from Redhills now.
There's a horrible smell of smoke in the air and more sirens can be heard.
Claire Jones
BBC News Online
The Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has tweeted that she is "sad to hear about the fire in Exeter".
She tweeted: "Great work by the teams involved" and people are "working hard to put the fire out and keep everyone safe".
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Claire Jones
BBC News Online
Devon and Cornwall Police has issued advice on closures and cordons in Exeter.
Road closures are in place at the junctions of High Street and South Street, of South Street and the Cathedral Green, on Queen Street at the rear end of Tesco and on Bedford Square at the junction with High Street.
"It is likely that Cathedral Green will remain cordoned off and not accessible to the public for some time", the force said.
Simon Hall, Home Affairs Correspondent
BBC Spotlight
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Exeter City Council has urged people to avoid the area of Cathedral Green while the emergency services deal with the fire.
Harriet Bradshaw
Reporter
Smoke billowing from the hotel.
The cathedral cafe staff I'm told have been giving out tea to people on site.
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Claire Jones
BBC News Online
Historian Dr Todd Gray said the fire-hit Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter is "older than it looks".
He said: "A report by Exeter Archeology shows that its medieval, the top bit is 18th Century.
All those buildings in there have medieval origins and the buildings in between are very fine 17th Century buildings of Exeter at its height.
"So whatever you see from the outside, it’s got a deeper, more interesting past just behind the plasterwork. It’s hugely significant for Exeter.”
Claire Jones
BBC News Online
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Harriet Bradshaw
Reporter
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Claire Jones
BBC News Online
A historian has described the site of the fire in Exeter as the "medieval hub of the city" and the "business hub of the city from the 15th to 18th centuries".
Dr Todd Gray said: "This is where all the trade took place, this is where you did your business deals.
"It was the fine centre where gentlemen would rent rooms all year just to have a presence in Exeter.
"It’s the heart of the city really."
Claire Jones
BBC News Online
Earlier Devon and Somerset Fire Service confirmed the crews were from:
Claire Jones
BBC News Online
The Clarence Hotel has confirmed the safety of staff and guests.
The hotel said on its website, external: "Following this morning's fire, all our guests and staff were evacuated and all are safe and accounted for.
"We are continuing to monitor the situation and send our sympathy to our neighbours and all those affected by the fire.
"We are contacting guests due to stay or dine with us today, or those with enquiries can call: 01392 319 955."
Harriet Bradshaw
Reporter
Smoke bellowing from the Royal Clarence Hotel has changed colour to a deeper, darker grey.
Dozens of fire crews are at the scene tackling the blaze.
Harriet Bradshaw
Reporter
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Claire Jones
BBC News Online
The Royal Clarence Hotel is reported to be the first hotel in England.
The website states, external: "Centrally located in the heart of Exeter's beautiful Cathedral Yard, the hotel has a rich history.
"Formerly the historic Royal Clarence Hotel, the establishment is reported to be the first hotel in England."
Claire Jones
BBC News Online
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said "the Royal Clarence Hotel has been evacuated and all staff and residents are accounted for".
The press release states, external: "It is not known at this time where or how the fire started or how many properties have been affected. No injuries are reported.
"There is likely to be traffic disruption due to road closures while the emergency services deal with the incident."
