Fire closes school for 'immediate future'

People have been urged to stay away from a school as firefighters continue to deal with a large fire.

Emergency services have been tackling the fire at The Promise School - which teaches children with special educational needs in Okehampton, Devon - since 15:30 GMT on Sunday.

A message from principal Quentin Gunderson said the school would be closed for the "immediate future" as a result of the fire and it will provide further updates on the "provision for ongoing learning".

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) said it had been working through the night with six engines and special appliances remaining at the scene on Monday morning.

In a message on the school's website, Gunderson said: "Urgent notice - a serious fire has occurred on the school site, the cause of which is unknown.

"The emergency services are currently in attendance.

"Due to the extent of the damage, the school will need to be closed for the immediate future."

According to the fire service's website, crews from 25 stations had attended the scene since it was first reported.

"We still have six fire appliances at the scene plus special appliances and firefighters continue to use the aerial ladder platforms, water jets and a high-volume pump to bring water to the scene," a fire service spokesperson added.

DSFRS added an investigation will "take place once the fire has been extinguished so there is no official cause at this point".

A Facebook post from Devon and Cornwall Police at 00:40 said road restrictions remained in place between Exeter Road at the junction with Fatherford Lane and the B3260 at Belstone overbridge.

According to the Dartmoor Multi-academy Trust, the Promise School opened officially in September 2022, with students moved into the "custom-built site in the centre of Okehampton" from the start of the 2023/24 academic year.

The trust said the school provided specialist support for about 100 children aged four to 16.

James Grainger, Devon county councillor for Okehampton Rural, said people should take care if travelling on the nearby A30, as smoke could drift across the road if the wind changed direction.

The Reform councillor added: "Thank you to our fire crews and emergency services for their swift response, and to the community for their patience while the situation is being managed."

Firefighters said they had received support from the local community including from takeaway restaurants who had provided crews with food overnight.

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