Sidmouth council offices fire under control, says fire service

BBC reporter Kevin Hay described the building as a "smoking ruin"

A blaze that started in a derelict building in Devon is under control.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was called to former East Devon council offices on Knowle Drive, Sidmouth, at about 04:00 BST.

Seven fire appliances, aerial ladder platforms and water bowsers remain at the scene with a high-volume pump being used to extract seawater at the Quay.

Group commander Ben Williams said the fire was under control, and an investigation was under way.

"Obviously a lot of the activity has taken place overnight so I'm hopeful disruption has been minimised," he said.

"As the day progresses we will still have a significant fire service presence in the area, including significant deployment of high-volume pumps and associated hoses which are running right through the town."

Firefighters and crew remain at the scene

BBC reporter Kevin Hay, at the scene, described the former council offices as a "smoking ruin".

The derelict building was proposed to be demolished and turned into a care home, retirement complex and affordable housing by developer McCarthy Stone.

In a statement it said it would continue to work alongside the fire service to "ascertain the cause of the fire".

It added: "McCarthy Stone will be visiting the site today, with members of the team knocking on doors of immediate neighbours to provide reassurance.

"In addition to our current security measures, a dog patrol team will be in operation over the next few days."

Residents have been asked to keep windows and doors closed

Road closures are in place for the hose to run from the Quay to the Knowle.

Residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed and told to expect disruption to water supplies, but Mr Williams said the risks should be minimal.

The service said it was liaising with wildlife experts as protected bats "are known to be in the area".

Resources from multiple stations have been involved in tackling the blaze

Taxi driver Ollie Moore-Jones saw the fire at about 06:30 BST, and told BBC Radio Devon that all he could see was "orange, the flames and all the lights of the fire engines".

He said: "I woke up about half-four with the smell of smoke and the sound of sirens.

"We only had one window open... how thick it was, we thought it was just going to be another foggy day, but as soon as I could smell the smoke I thought something's got to be up."

Mr Moore-Jones said he "saw the whole building ablaze" while passing on a school run.

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