LARGER INCIDENTS
CIVIC HALL / PANNIER MARKET FIRE
HIGH STREET - TOTNES
MARCH 17th 1955
At 2.20pm on March 17th 1955, a fire broke out in the rear of the Civic Hall, a large building in the centre of the Pannier Market, near the top of High Street.
This fire, the 12th and by far the largest fire call for Totnes Fire Brigade in the past 14 days, is believed to have started in the in the Civic Hall boiler house, spreading to the dressing rooms and stage area at the far, South Street end of the building, and then outside to the market.
3 appliances attended from Totnes, I believe two regular County appliances and one AFS appliance, splitting between 2 at South Street and one appliance setting in to the hydrant at the junction of High Street and Castle Street.
4 more appliances from Paignton and Torquay were also in attendance and water was relayed up Fore Street to High Street from the Mill Leat in Coronation Road.
The fire gutted all of the Pannier Market stalls, and even though the Civic Hall itself was left intact and standing, the interior and the stage area was totally destroyed. Only the asbestos roof and walls still remained.
Firefighters contained the fire from both South Street and High Street, stopping the spread to the Commercial Hotel (now Birdwood House) on one side and Haymans Outfitters on the other by fighting the fire from the tops of the high walls at the entrance to the market, and at one point taking hoses through the Commercial Hotel to gain access to fight the fire nearer the centre.
One firefighter was taken to hospital by car, suffering from hand and hip injuries from a falling beam, and part of the double door, entrance hall roof collapsed onto firefighters, but there was no injuries.
Quotes from local newspapers in connection to this fire included:-
"A Police Constable patrolling in the village of Harbertonford, 3 miles away, realised there was a major fire after seeing the smoke, at once rode on a bicycle to Totnes "to control the crowd".
"The staff at the National Provincial Bank, adjacent to the Commercial Hotel, worked feverishly to load money and documents onto a trolley and move it to safety. When the fire was brought under control it was put back".
This fire, the 12th and by far the largest fire call for Totnes Fire Brigade in the past 14 days, is believed to have started in the in the Civic Hall boiler house, spreading to the dressing rooms and stage area at the far, South Street end of the building, and then outside to the market.
3 appliances attended from Totnes, I believe two regular County appliances and one AFS appliance, splitting between 2 at South Street and one appliance setting in to the hydrant at the junction of High Street and Castle Street.
4 more appliances from Paignton and Torquay were also in attendance and water was relayed up Fore Street to High Street from the Mill Leat in Coronation Road.
The fire gutted all of the Pannier Market stalls, and even though the Civic Hall itself was left intact and standing, the interior and the stage area was totally destroyed. Only the asbestos roof and walls still remained.
Firefighters contained the fire from both South Street and High Street, stopping the spread to the Commercial Hotel (now Birdwood House) on one side and Haymans Outfitters on the other by fighting the fire from the tops of the high walls at the entrance to the market, and at one point taking hoses through the Commercial Hotel to gain access to fight the fire nearer the centre.
One firefighter was taken to hospital by car, suffering from hand and hip injuries from a falling beam, and part of the double door, entrance hall roof collapsed onto firefighters, but there was no injuries.
Quotes from local newspapers in connection to this fire included:-
"A Police Constable patrolling in the village of Harbertonford, 3 miles away, realised there was a major fire after seeing the smoke, at once rode on a bicycle to Totnes "to control the crowd".
"The staff at the National Provincial Bank, adjacent to the Commercial Hotel, worked feverishly to load money and documents onto a trolley and move it to safety. When the fire was brought under control it was put back".
ABOVE
Dense, acrid smoke pours through the entrance and over the walls of the Pannier Market, completely obscuring the Commercial Hotel and the top of High Street. Onlookers on the right of the picture, under the Butterwalk, watching the fire spreading.
Dense, acrid smoke pours through the entrance and over the walls of the Pannier Market, completely obscuring the Commercial Hotel and the top of High Street. Onlookers on the right of the picture, under the Butterwalk, watching the fire spreading.
BELOW
A set of 6 pictures, taken from a second floor window of 29 High Street showing the progression of the fire, from a few wisps of smoke, to the full scale fire fighting operations on the High Street side of the fire.
The growing crowd of onlookers wandering around the street until the arrival of a police car to control the crowd.
The smoke intensifying into the street and then nothing as the wind changes direction.
A member of the public in white overalls taking a look over the wall at the top of one of the fire brigade 105 ladders behind a working fire fighter, and the press photographer on top of a stepladder in the middle of the street
A set of 6 pictures, taken from a second floor window of 29 High Street showing the progression of the fire, from a few wisps of smoke, to the full scale fire fighting operations on the High Street side of the fire.
The growing crowd of onlookers wandering around the street until the arrival of a police car to control the crowd.
The smoke intensifying into the street and then nothing as the wind changes direction.
A member of the public in white overalls taking a look over the wall at the top of one of the fire brigade 105 ladders behind a working fire fighter, and the press photographer on top of a stepladder in the middle of the street
ABOVE
The Pannier Market/Civic Hall entrance in High Street. Public toilets this end and the old disused Totnes Fire Station arched entrance at the other.
The Pannier Market/Civic Hall entrance in High Street. Public toilets this end and the old disused Totnes Fire Station arched entrance at the other.
ABOVE
Totnes's Dennis F8 set up at the rear of the market in South Street.
Totnes's Dennis F8 set up at the rear of the market in South Street.
ABOVE
Paignton Fire Station's Water Tender appliance parked in the High Street outside Haymans Outfitters. Wooden 105 ladders pitched to the Civic Hall/ Pannier market wall. You are just able to see one of the other Totnes appliances (middle right / background) which looks like an Austin K2 Pump Escape set into a hydrant at the junction of High Street and Castle Street, outside of what is now the Barrel House and Castle Inn. The large building constructed over the pavement on pillars is the old Commercial Hotel, now known as Birdwood House and the start of the Poultrywalk. The famous Totnes Butterwalk is opposite.
Paignton Fire Station's Water Tender appliance parked in the High Street outside Haymans Outfitters. Wooden 105 ladders pitched to the Civic Hall/ Pannier market wall. You are just able to see one of the other Totnes appliances (middle right / background) which looks like an Austin K2 Pump Escape set into a hydrant at the junction of High Street and Castle Street, outside of what is now the Barrel House and Castle Inn. The large building constructed over the pavement on pillars is the old Commercial Hotel, now known as Birdwood House and the start of the Poultrywalk. The famous Totnes Butterwalk is opposite.
ABOVE
Getting jets to work over the market walls, beside the Commercial Hotel
Getting jets to work over the market walls, beside the Commercial Hotel
ABOVE
Looking from the rear of the Commercial Hotel at the entrance to the Pannier Market and High Street after the clean up. The large building (middle/right) is the fire ravaged Civic Hall.
Looking from the rear of the Commercial Hotel at the entrance to the Pannier Market and High Street after the clean up. The large building (middle/right) is the fire ravaged Civic Hall.
ABOVE
This picture taken from the roof of the Commercial Hotel shows the extensive damage to the Civic Hall. All that remained was the asbestos roof and walls. Note also the raised hall roof (middle/right) which was above the stage and the individual market stalls around the perimeter wall, all totally destroyed.
This picture taken from the roof of the Commercial Hotel shows the extensive damage to the Civic Hall. All that remained was the asbestos roof and walls. Note also the raised hall roof (middle/right) which was above the stage and the individual market stalls around the perimeter wall, all totally destroyed.
ABOVE
Looking from the top of the front wall over the old disused fire station, back towards South Street. A much clearer view of the raised roof of the stage and dressing rooms of the Civic Hall where the fire originally started. The Pannier market stalls on both sides completely gutted.
Looking from the top of the front wall over the old disused fire station, back towards South Street. A much clearer view of the raised roof of the stage and dressing rooms of the Civic Hall where the fire originally started. The Pannier market stalls on both sides completely gutted.
ABOVE
Totnes Civic Hall as it looks today, looking from the Butterwalk in High Street. Shops with offices above on the left hand side and the steps to the hall itself, centre. Birdwood House, (the old Commercial Hotel), is just out of shot on the right.
The car park at the rear of the Civic Hall extends back to South Street.
Totnes Civic Hall as it looks today, looking from the Butterwalk in High Street. Shops with offices above on the left hand side and the steps to the hall itself, centre. Birdwood House, (the old Commercial Hotel), is just out of shot on the right.
The car park at the rear of the Civic Hall extends back to South Street.
TOTNES RAILWAY STATION FIRE
APRIL 1962
Totnes is a four track railway station with platforms on the outer two with an annual usage of approx 550,000 passengers. Situated on the mainline between Exeter and Plymouth, with buildings on both sides of the tracks and a connecting footbridge.
On the 14th April 1962, fire destroyed the buildings on the westbound (Plymouth bound) side of the station. The driver of a banker engine waiting at the station to assist heavy trains up the notorious Rattery Bank, just out of Totnes, on their way to Plymouth got off his train and approached the station to get water for a cup of tea.
On seeing the flames in the building he ran across the line to the signal box on the up line as all the "outside" telephones were on the wall of the burning buildings.
2 appliances from Totnes with Station Officer Joe Seaford in charge were quickly on the scene to find the Booking Office, Hall, Parcel Office, Waiting Rooms and Refreshment Rooms on the down side well alight.
On the 14th April 1962, fire destroyed the buildings on the westbound (Plymouth bound) side of the station. The driver of a banker engine waiting at the station to assist heavy trains up the notorious Rattery Bank, just out of Totnes, on their way to Plymouth got off his train and approached the station to get water for a cup of tea.
On seeing the flames in the building he ran across the line to the signal box on the up line as all the "outside" telephones were on the wall of the burning buildings.
2 appliances from Totnes with Station Officer Joe Seaford in charge were quickly on the scene to find the Booking Office, Hall, Parcel Office, Waiting Rooms and Refreshment Rooms on the down side well alight.
The down line station buildings, (Plymouth bound ) destroyed by fire.
Above
Firemen fighting the fire using water from a nearby leat.
Firemen fighting the fire using water from a nearby leat.
After the rubble and timber was removed, tickets were issued from the Station Master's Office which was a building erected as a temporary stucture a few feet from the fire and was untouched. This "temporary" structure was built to replace the original Station Master's Office which was destroyed by a bomb during a German "tip and run" raid on Totnes. Eventually a large sectional building was sent from Plymouth and was situated in the car park.
There was another problem, as Her Majesty the Queen was to leave from Totnes Railway Station after she officially opened the new Totnes Fatstock Market (on what is now part of the industrial estate) on the 27th July. Luckily the "up" side of the station was undamaged.
There was another problem, as Her Majesty the Queen was to leave from Totnes Railway Station after she officially opened the new Totnes Fatstock Market (on what is now part of the industrial estate) on the 27th July. Luckily the "up" side of the station was undamaged.
Local builders, who I believe worked for Staverton Contractors, which at the time was one of the town's biggest employers, start the clean up and demolition of the gutted station
Totnes Railway Station
Totnes railway station, as it stands today, looking towards Newton Abbott and Exeter on the "up" side.
Note the large roof projecting into the photograph from the left hand side. This is an engine house, part of Isambard Kingdom Brunels atmospheric railway but was never brought into use. The site became part of what was originally called Dawes Creamery and then Unigate Dairies and was another main employer in the town. Sadly now closed.
But that's another story.
Note the large roof projecting into the photograph from the left hand side. This is an engine house, part of Isambard Kingdom Brunels atmospheric railway but was never brought into use. The site became part of what was originally called Dawes Creamery and then Unigate Dairies and was another main employer in the town. Sadly now closed.
But that's another story.
For a far more detailed look at the town of Totnes, please press here
ST JOHN'S CHURCH FIRE
BRIDGETOWN HILL
JULY 1976
ARSON - THE BUILDING COMPLETELY GUTTED
On arrival Stn/O Tony Bowhay ordered two Breathing Apparatus wearers to investigate the nave of the church to gather information on the extent of the fire as there was very few external signs of smoke or flame. The BA team managed to reach the base of the altar at which point they could see the extent of the fire spread above their heads as the fire was rising up the back wall and across the underside of the timber roof. The BA team made a rapid exit to the doorway, minutes later the roof became fully involved.
After this all firefighting was done externally. (Defensive)
The fire caused several problems for the crews because of the high walls and severe lack of water until a pump relay was set up from the River Dart.
Several firefighters were injured due to flying embers and roof slates during the initial stages of the fire.
The arsonist who was arrested shortly after was sentenced to 6 years in prison.
ADO (Assistant Divisional Officer) Ken Wellberry pointing towards the river, having a word with Sub Officer Arthur Woollacott (Paignton) at the front of the church.
After the initial make up. Paignton's Bedford WrT/L parked on Bridgetown Hill. In the background you can see Totnes's Bedford WrT (OTT 308G) parked outside the front of the church. This picture was taken just before the arrival of Torquay's Turntable Ladder (174).
BELOW
17 photographs taken by a member of the public from the initial start of the fire showing the very rapid fire spread, from a small amount of smoke from between the roof slates on the left hand side of the church, to the nave completely involved.
Two views of the gutted interior of the church. The top view looking from the main entrance towards the burned out altar and the bottom looking back to the tower.
ADO Ken Wellberry and I believe ADO John Eastley standing in the centre of the ruined nave and Sub/Officer Dave Fisher in the foreground.
It was not long after this picture was taken Ken Wellberry fell through the floor timbers into the void below, luckily he was not injured but he did suffer some ribbing for a time after.
It was not long after this picture was taken Ken Wellberry fell through the floor timbers into the void below, luckily he was not injured but he did suffer some ribbing for a time after.
A rather dramatic picture of the fire in the church tower.
Another interesting shot of Torquay's TL (Turntable Ladder) being used as a water tower to reach the bell room at the top of the tower. Below is the gutted clock room.
In the bottom foreground is Torquay's Bedford HCB Angus PE (Pump Escape) with a 105 Bayley ladder on the roof and the wheeled escape ladder on the back.
In the bottom foreground is Torquay's Bedford HCB Angus PE (Pump Escape) with a 105 Bayley ladder on the roof and the wheeled escape ladder on the back.
Almost the same shot taken from further up Bridgetown Hill
FIRE IN SHOPS
58 FORE STREET - TOTNES
SEPTEMBER 9th 1987
A shop known to us as Dickies Discount Store. Only a few metres from one of out greatest fire risks, Totnes Museum. The building, which was a discount supermarket had been converted into 5 separate businesses, but only three were occupied, a photo processing shop, a computer programming shop and an advertising agency. The closed bakery and coffee lounge area were up for let.
Appliances from Totnes, Paignton, Buckfastleigh and Torquay.
Appliances from Totnes, Paignton, Buckfastleigh and Torquay.
ABOVE
The fire seen here in the roof of 58 Fore Street on the right. Totnes firefighters trying to prevent the fire spreading into the roof of the United Free Church on the left. The church suffered smoke and heat damage.
The fire seen here in the roof of 58 Fore Street on the right. Totnes firefighters trying to prevent the fire spreading into the roof of the United Free Church on the left. The church suffered smoke and heat damage.
ABOVE
The front of the fire as seen from Fore Street.
The front of the fire as seen from Fore Street.
ABOVE
The morning after the night before.
The morning after the night before.
COTT INN FIRE
COTT HILL - DARTINGTON
AUGUST 27th 1989
10 PUMPS IN ATTENDANCE -
13 GUESTS STAYING AT THE COTT LED TO SAFETY -
1st FLOOR & THATCH ROOF SEVERELY DAMAGED
The original call to the 13th century Cott Inn was received at Totnes Fire Station from Devon Control as a "smoke in the area" call. The crew on the first attending appliance, myself included, noticed on the drive out to Dartington that it was a very foggy night and that this was probably the reason for the call. Turning left into Cott Hill, off Shinners Bridge roundabout, there was no indication of the severity of the fire as we approached.
As the appliance turned into the Cott Inn car park, we were met with a large part of the thatched roof on the left hand side well alight. Almost on cue, several bedroom lights came on throughout the first floor. The crew rapidly disembarked the appliance and entered the Inn, heading straight for the 1st floor, 13 guests were led to safety.
Breathing Apparatus teams fought the fire from inside the roof space whilst a fire break was cut, approximately 2/3rds of the way along the roof. 1/3rd of the inn was saved.
The Cott Inn roof, at 180ft, is considered to be one of the longest continuous thatches in England
As the appliance turned into the Cott Inn car park, we were met with a large part of the thatched roof on the left hand side well alight. Almost on cue, several bedroom lights came on throughout the first floor. The crew rapidly disembarked the appliance and entered the Inn, heading straight for the 1st floor, 13 guests were led to safety.
Breathing Apparatus teams fought the fire from inside the roof space whilst a fire break was cut, approximately 2/3rds of the way along the roof. 1/3rd of the inn was saved.
The Cott Inn roof, at 180ft, is considered to be one of the longest continuous thatches in England
ABOVE PICTURES
The world famous Cott Inn Dartington, as it should look.
The world famous Cott Inn Dartington, as it should look.
ABOVE
The early stages of the fire, Totnes and make up crews from all over South Devon working feverishly to cut a fire break on both sides of the roof while Breathing Apparatus teams working in the roofspace hit the burning thatch from underneath. The hosereel on the left hand ladder is being used to hold back the advancing fire to give the fire break crews more time.
The early stages of the fire, Totnes and make up crews from all over South Devon working feverishly to cut a fire break on both sides of the roof while Breathing Apparatus teams working in the roofspace hit the burning thatch from underneath. The hosereel on the left hand ladder is being used to hold back the advancing fire to give the fire break crews more time.
The rear of the Cott Inn looking from the direction of Redlake. The fire started in the beer cellar to the right of the open doorway.
The extent of the damage to the first floor and roof at the centre of the inn. The firebreak and the thickness of the thatch can be seen at the top right hand corner of the photo.
The clear up begins. The firebreak can be seen clearly to the right of the chimney. A second one was started 6 feet further along, but was not needed.
Totnes firefighters still at the scene after the massive clear up.
Note the large pile of thatch on the left.
PEDLARS PACK BOOKSHOP
4 THE PLAINS - TOTNES
FEBRUARY 1986
Fire in a large 3 storey commercial building on the corner of Ticklemore Street and The Plains, involving the upper floors and roof. Two appliances from Totnes are first in attendance and backed up with both pumps from Paignton and two pumps and turntable ladder from Torquay.
WESTWARD SHOPPING ARCADE FIRE
THE PLAINS - TOTNES
TUESDAY APRIL 4th 1989
This fire is less than 100 yards from the Pedlars Pack Bookshop fire as seen above.
TOWN SHOPS DESTROYED IN BLAZE
More than 50 firefighters from all over South Devon yesterday battled to a blaze which destroyed an arcade of shops, offices and flats in the heart of Totnes.
Seven people sleeping in the building on the Plains escaped to safety from the flames after being roused by neighbours.
One casualty was Totnes firefighter Niall Osman, 33 who was taken to Torbay Hospital when roof timbers and a ceiling collapsed on him. He was later released.
The fire spread rapidly through the listed Georgian building at about 5 am, fanned by strong winds.
A team of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had to be pulled out of the first floor because of the danger and the blaze was fought with jets and the turntable ladder.
Divisional Commander Jim Wilson, who led the firefighting operations, said the flames were whipped up by strong winds. Luckily they were blowing away from the rest of the terrace.
" When we got here it was well alight and quickly spread to the roof. The wind made firefighting very difficult".
Totnes fire chief Steve Howrihane who was first at the scene said leading fireman Osman was injured on the first floor when a ceiling beam fell on his neck. "It was a mass of flames shooting out onto the pavement. We put two firefighters in through first floor windows but eventually we had to withdraw them it was so bad".
The blaze destroyed a Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor which had only recently opened for the summer.
Later yesterday a mechanical digger began to demolish the front of the building because of the danger of collapse.
Taken from an unknown local paper.
Seven people sleeping in the building on the Plains escaped to safety from the flames after being roused by neighbours.
One casualty was Totnes firefighter Niall Osman, 33 who was taken to Torbay Hospital when roof timbers and a ceiling collapsed on him. He was later released.
The fire spread rapidly through the listed Georgian building at about 5 am, fanned by strong winds.
A team of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had to be pulled out of the first floor because of the danger and the blaze was fought with jets and the turntable ladder.
Divisional Commander Jim Wilson, who led the firefighting operations, said the flames were whipped up by strong winds. Luckily they were blowing away from the rest of the terrace.
" When we got here it was well alight and quickly spread to the roof. The wind made firefighting very difficult".
Totnes fire chief Steve Howrihane who was first at the scene said leading fireman Osman was injured on the first floor when a ceiling beam fell on his neck. "It was a mass of flames shooting out onto the pavement. We put two firefighters in through first floor windows but eventually we had to withdraw them it was so bad".
The blaze destroyed a Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor which had only recently opened for the summer.
Later yesterday a mechanical digger began to demolish the front of the building because of the danger of collapse.
Taken from an unknown local paper.
ABOVE
The front of the building looking from the Plains, the fire starting originally from the blackened shops in front of the firefighter footing the ladder and severe smoke damage to the wedding dress shop on the left. Also on the left is the business end of 311 (E995 VTA) the first appliance in attendance.
The front of the building looking from the Plains, the fire starting originally from the blackened shops in front of the firefighter footing the ladder and severe smoke damage to the wedding dress shop on the left. Also on the left is the business end of 311 (E995 VTA) the first appliance in attendance.
ABOVE
Another view of the front taken a few minutes later. Torquay's Shelvoke TL (Turntable Ladder - callsign 174) in the foreground and Station Officer Steve Howrihane centre.
Another view of the front taken a few minutes later. Torquay's Shelvoke TL (Turntable Ladder - callsign 174) in the foreground and Station Officer Steve Howrihane centre.
ABOVE
A general view looking from the Seven Stars Hotel side with the B.A. (Breathing Apparatus) servicing area on the right and the rear of 312 (CTT 288Y) the second appliance in attendance on the left.
A general view looking from the Seven Stars Hotel side with the B.A. (Breathing Apparatus) servicing area on the right and the rear of 312 (CTT 288Y) the second appliance in attendance on the left.
ABOVE
A general view looking towards the Seven Stars Hotel with the supporting appliances parked on the Plains and Torquay's ET (Emergency Tender - callsign 177) outside the hotel acting as Control Point.
A general view looking towards the Seven Stars Hotel with the supporting appliances parked on the Plains and Torquay's ET (Emergency Tender - callsign 177) outside the hotel acting as Control Point.
ABOVE
The Breathing Apparatus servicing area
The Breathing Apparatus servicing area
An excellent photograph showing the main ladders in use at the time of this fire.
Left Ladder
A 105 (10.5 metre) double extension ladder pitched to the eaves of the building complete with a firefighter taking a hose aloft over his shoulder.
Middle Ladder
A 135 (13.5 metre) triple extension ladder with stabilising poles to the sides, also pitched to the eaves, a firefighter at the top removing loose slates.
Right Ladder
Torquay's 100' TL (Turntable Ladder) over the top of the building, a firefighter damping down hotspots.
In the foreground on the roof of E995 VTA is a standard single section roofing ladder and on the floor beside the appliance is a short extension ladder
The Transit pick-up Divisional van from Torquay in attendance at the incident, supplying refreshments and fresh Breathing Apparatus cylinders.
The rubble clearance and rebuild begins
The rebuilt Westward Shopping Arcade as it looks today.