Updates: Workshop demolished after ‘fierce’ fire

Sarah Howells Wednesday, February 20, 2013
9:43 AM

Residents were evacuated from their homes when the fire broke out on Wednesday.

Firefighters battle to contain the fire at Pottington Road, Barnsta[ple, last night (Wednesday). Pic by 72e photography

A WORKSHOP has been demolished following a fire in Barnstaple on Wednesday night.

Witnesses described how fierce flames took hold of the building in a matter of minutes after a fire broke out at the junction of Pottington Road and Braunton Road, shortly after 10pm.

At its height, four crews battled to contain the blaze in the 10-by-four metre workshop.

Local resident Brian Saunders said: “There was a lot of smoke at first but the fire seemed to take hold in a matter of minutes.

“It was quite fierce for the size of the building.”

Three homes were evacuated due to the risk of flames and heat – and fears that gas cylinders were being stored inside the building.

Crews were able to contain the fire and were stood down at around 1.30am.

The following day building control officers inspected the burnt-out workshop due to concerns that the building could collapse.

Mike Tucker, building control team leader for North Devon Council, said: “Neil Macree, the council’s senior building control officer, went along and assessed the structure of the building.

“The following day he also met the owners to provide advice and information about how to make the building safe.

“The building has now been demolished and the area has been cleared.”