Huge blaze rips through holiday camp at tourist spot as fire crews race to scene

23 October 2023 , 20:18

658     0

Black smoke can be seen billowing from the former hotel site (Image: DevonLive/ WS)

A massive fire has broken out at the derelict holiday camp in Devon on Monday afternoon.

The incident happened at the Seaton Heights site as more than a dozen fire crews from across the South West have rushed to the scene. The A3052 Harepath Hill in Seaton is currently shut both ways from Seaton turn off to Barnards Hill Lane, reports DevonLive.

Six fire engines, one water carrier, one command unit and three fire officers on scene, with one water carrier, one aerial ladder platform and one welfare unit also in attendance. Pictures from the scene show flames and smoke billowing from the former holiday camp.

The A3052 Harepath Hill in Seaton was shut in both directions following the fire breakout (DevonLive/ WS)

Fire crews rushed to the scene on Monday afternoon (DevonLive/ WS)

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Fire Control received several reports of a fire in the Harepath Hill area of Seaton at 4.19pm. Crews from Seaton, Colyton and Lyme Regis (DWFRS) was mobilised.

“After a short while, crews requested the attendance of a Water Carrier which was mobilised from Bridport (DWFRS). At 4.26pm - Crews confirmed that smoke and flames were issuing and requested for a 4th appliance to attend, and the fire engine from Otter St Mary was mobilised.

Holiday family return to find everything they own - even cat - destroyed in fire

“At 4.56pm crews requested the attendance of additional 2 fire engines and 1 aerial ladder platform - 2x fire engines from Sidmouth and aerial ladder platform from Danes Castle was mobilised. Crews are at work with 2x breathing apparatus, 1x main jet and 1x safety jet.

“At 5.10pm crews request the attendance of a second water carrier - this was mobilised from Torquay. At 5.37pm, xix fire engines, one water carrier, one command unit and three fire officers on scene, with one water carrier, one aerial ladder platform and one welfare unit also in attendance.”

Once a popular holiday resort, the hotel complex has been left empty and dilapidated since its closure in 2005. The future of the derelict site has become a long-running concern in the town as several planning applications have either been refused, withdrawn or fallen through after received permission.

Plans from applicants Lyme Bay Leisure Ltd to replace the existing hotel complex with 42 two-storey, detached holiday homes, along with an office, cafe with terrace and parking, and self-catering accommodation on the first floor above this, are currently under consideration by East Devon District Council.

Daniel Clark