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Fire rages close to historic Exeter Cathedral | Fire rages close to historic Exeter Cathedral |
(35 minutes later) | |
Hundreds of firefighters are battling a large blaze at a building on Exeter's Cathedral Green. | Hundreds of firefighters are battling a large blaze at a building on Exeter's Cathedral Green. |
The building, believed to be an art gallery, faces Exeter Cathedral in Devon and went up in flames at about 05:20 BST. | The building, believed to be an art gallery, faces Exeter Cathedral in Devon and went up in flames at about 05:20 BST. |
A total of 110 firefighters, police, paramedics and 20 fire engines are at the scene. There are no reported casualties. | A total of 110 firefighters, police, paramedics and 20 fire engines are at the scene. There are no reported casualties. |
The Canon at Exeter Cathedral said "flying debris" was the main concern. | The Canon at Exeter Cathedral said "flying debris" was the main concern. |
Latest on the fire, and other Devon news | Latest on the fire, and other Devon news |
Anna Norman Walker, who can see the fire from her window, said: "The main concern was a lot of debris flying from the roof of the affected building which was travelling - certainly some of it made it to the roof of the Royal Clarence Hotel and for a moment that looked like it was going up as well, but it looks like the firefighters have got that under control. | Anna Norman Walker, who can see the fire from her window, said: "The main concern was a lot of debris flying from the roof of the affected building which was travelling - certainly some of it made it to the roof of the Royal Clarence Hotel and for a moment that looked like it was going up as well, but it looks like the firefighters have got that under control. |
"They've got up on a crane and are attacking the fire from above.'' | "They've got up on a crane and are attacking the fire from above.'' |
The Royal Clarence Hotel, which is next to the affected building, has been evacuated as a precaution. All staff and residents are accounted for. | The Royal Clarence Hotel, which is next to the affected building, has been evacuated as a precaution. All staff and residents are accounted for. |
The fire service said air is being pumped through Costa and Laura Ashley - which are close to the building - to stop the fire spreading. | |
History of Exeter Cathedral | |
Source: Exeter Cathedral Education Department | |
Incident officer Bill Haberton, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said they were "throwing a lot of resources" at the fire. | Incident officer Bill Haberton, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said they were "throwing a lot of resources" at the fire. |
He said: "We're going to be taking water from various locations because we're overrunning the water supply in the middle of Exeter at the moment." | He said: "We're going to be taking water from various locations because we're overrunning the water supply in the middle of Exeter at the moment." |
A couple who live in a pub nearby evacuated for fear of the blaze spreading to their premises. | A couple who live in a pub nearby evacuated for fear of the blaze spreading to their premises. |
'Building went up' | 'Building went up' |
Kirsty said the flames had gone up quickly. | Kirsty said the flames had gone up quickly. |
She said: "We heard the noise and looked out the window and saw the flames and decided we didn't want to be there. | She said: "We heard the noise and looked out the window and saw the flames and decided we didn't want to be there. |
"We'd seen the flames go up, it's a bit scary really. | "We'd seen the flames go up, it's a bit scary really. |
"The pub we live in is made of wood so we didn't want to be there really." | "The pub we live in is made of wood so we didn't want to be there really." |
Rob added: "It brings it home a bit, it's a little bit scary. You don't think a building would go up that quick but it's gone." | Rob added: "It brings it home a bit, it's a little bit scary. You don't think a building would go up that quick but it's gone." |
As a result of the fire, Queen Street, High Street, Cathedral Green and other surrounding roads are closed. | As a result of the fire, Queen Street, High Street, Cathedral Green and other surrounding roads are closed. |