Mount Wise residents praised after massive fire

Fire officers have praised the actions of people affected by the large fire in Clowance Street, Plymouth, last night (3 June).

More than twenty homes had to be evacuated as the fire spread across the block of flats driven by high winds but no one was hurt.

Group Manager Paul Bray, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The residents were given early warning of the fire through the smoke detection in the building.

“They were all able to evacuate unharmed and all the residents have been impeccably well behaved throughout the incident.

“I have been really impressed by the community spirit shown around the place, with neighbours providing food, drink and clothes to those that have been affected.

“Incidents like this do remind us all to make sure smoke alarms are working properly and that everyone in the home knows how to get out safely in the event of an emergency.”

Twelve of the 24 maisonettes in the four-storey building were severely damaged by fire and the remaining homes were damaged by water. A kitten and other pets were rescued from the building.

A fire and police investigation is taking place to establish the cause of the fire.

More information about the incident as it happened is available here.