People told to close windows as smoke bellows from derelict hotel

Firefighters tackling a derelict building fire in Devon said it is now under control after "large amounts of smoke" sparked an emergency appeal for people to shut their windows. Emergency services asked residents near the former Sherwood Hotel on Belgrave Road in Torquay to close all windows and doors to prevent any "health issues", and for people to avoid the area. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it was the second time in three days that crews had been called to the building. Emergency services were first alerted to the ongoing fire at about 13:50 BST on Sunday and said about 90 personnel were in attendance. The fire service initially sent four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to the scene. Belgrave Road has been closed both ways from Falkland Road to the A379, Torbay Road. On Sunday evening, group commanding officer Ben Williams said they were starting to scale back their efforts after the "significant fire". "At its height, we had 10 fire engines, plus support officers and a number of officers attending the scene - around 90 personnel in total," he said. He said the main concern was the "structural stability" of the building as the fire consumed "multip

Apr 5, 2026 → Apr 5, 2026