Fire at Newton Abbot warehouse 'started deliberately'

Devon and Somerset Fire have revealed that the fire at an empty warehouse in Newton Abbot was 'started deliberately'. Credit: ITV West Country

A large fire at an historic empty warehouse in Newton Abbot was "started deliberately", say fire services.

The blaze, which started yesterday afternoon (21 October), broke through the roof of the disused warehouse and residents in the nearby area had to be evacuated from their homes.

Firefighters remain at the scene after working throughout the night to dampen hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading any further.

Local residents had to be evacuated from their homes and temporarily housed in a nearby community centre. Credit: ITV West Country

The former Carriage and Wagon Repair Shop in the railway town was going to be demolished this month to make way for a new Aldi supermarket.

A campaign, Save Our Shed, was launched at the end of 2017 to save the "handsome and robust building" from demolition. Campaigners say "Newtonians, the wider public and railway enthusiasts" wanted the building to be saved because it was "an asset to the town".

Relief crews were needed from all over the region to assist in tackling the large blaze. Credit: ITV West Country

Crews from all over the region were called to assist in tackling the fire, including Torquay, Paignton, Teignmouth and Brixham.

Local residents were temporarily housed in a nearby community centre but have since returned to their homes.