Firefighters from Newton Abbot, Buckfastleigh and Bovey Tracey were called in to help deal with a fire at the historic Rotunda at Oldway Mansion in Paignton this morning (Thursday).

Three fire appliances, two from Paignton and one from Torquay, along with the aerial ladder platform from Torquay were sent to a fire in the large old building at Oldway Road, Paignton at just after 8am.

A spokesperson for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Crews arrived and confirmed that smoke was issuing. Small tools and covering jets were put to use.

‘Crews then requested assistance from a further three appliances, sent from Torquay, Totnes and Buckfastleigh. The incident command unit from Totnes, the incident support unit from Bovey Tracey and a support pump from Newton Abbot also attended. 

‘Crews then requested a water bowser, the nearest being Danes Castle.

‘At 0855, crews stated they were making steady progress, gaining access to the building using small tools. Two covering jets were in use at this stage.

‘At 9.22am, crews entered the building with breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet, to locate the fire on the ground floor. A thermal imaging camera was also used.

‘At 9.50am, crews confirmed unstable flooring in the building, and were extinguishing the fire from a distance. four breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets and two thermal imaging cameras in use.

‘At 10.26am, crews ceased using breathing apparatus and continued to damp down the fire, cutting away areas to reveal hot spots.

;At 10.57am, crews confirmed that the incident would be scaled down, and no more resources were required on scene. Crews were still at work cutting away and damping down. The fire cause is suspected to be arson, and crews are working with the police.’

A Torbay Council engineer was inspecting the site.