A fire which destroyed the Ring of Bells pub in North Bovey on Wednesday couldl have been started by a spark or flame from a chimney flue, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said today.

Ten fire engines were at the incident and fire crews worked throughout the night to extinguish the blaze to prevent it from spreading to nearby thatched properties.

Yesterday (thurs) a crew was still at the scene today to dampen down hotspots.

Firefighters covered neighbouring thatched properties with foam to prevent the fire spreading and worked hard to save as much of the building and its contents as possible.

A spokesman said the fire was believed to have been started by a spark or flame from the chimney flue in the loft space igniting the underside of the thatched roof.

The roof and first floor of the pub were destroyed and there was severe water and heat damage to the ground floor.

Group manager Matt Johnson, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The fire had broken through the roof before the arrival of our crews but firefighters worked extremely hard to salvage as much property from inside the building as they could and to stop it spreading to adjoining thatched properties.

’Our advice, particularly at this time of year, is to get your chimney swept and to seek professional advice about having flues checked and lined, especially in thatched properties.

Meanwhile, it is understood it is hoped to be able to start trading again from part of the 13th-century pub in about a fortnight’s time.