A major Devon school fire has left The Promise School in Okehampton severely damaged after a large blaze broke out on Sunday afternoon.
Around 15 fire engines rushed to the scene at approximately 3.30pm after reports of flames and thick black smoke rising above the industrial estate area of the town.
Emergency crews battled the fire for hours, while police closed nearby roads and urged residents to keep windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke.
No injuries have been reported. However, the school building has suffered extensive damage and will remain closed for the immediate future.
What Happened at The Promise School in Okehampton?
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service crews confirmed they received emergency calls shortly after 3.30pm reporting visible flames and a significant smoke plume.
Fire crews are currently attending a significant fire at a school in Okehampton. Please avoid the area https://t.co/3mXDsqAVul pic.twitter.com/mXOLHCYmvm
— Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (@DSFireUpdates) February 22, 2026
By 5.45pm, firefighters had brought the blaze under control. However, early assessments revealed “significant damage to the entire school building”.
Sgt Tom Ottley from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “It is quite a significant-sized blaze. Fire has it under control.
We don’t believe there’s any further risk to property or any casualties at the moment. It’s about trying to control the damage and assess it thereafter.”
The school was closed at the time due to half-term, which likely prevented injuries.
Why Did the Devon School Fire Start?
Authorities have not yet confirmed the official cause of the blaze.
Local Reform councillor James Grainger said early indications suggest the fire may have been electrical in nature. He ruled out arson at this stage, though investigations remain ongoing.
Fire investigators will now conduct a full assessment of the site to determine:
- The point of origin
- Whether electrical systems were involved
- If safety protocols functioned correctly
Electrical fires remain one of the more common causes of commercial building fires in the UK, according to national fire statistics from recent years.
How Has the Fire Affected Students and Families?
The Promise School specialises in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision and supports around 100 pupils.
Principal Quentin Gunderson confirmed the school will remain closed for the “immediate future”. Parents are now waiting for clarity on temporary learning arrangements.
Road Closures and Local Disruption
Police closed several routes following the Devon school fire, including:
- Exeter Road (between Beardown Road and the A30 at Okehampton Services)
- B3260
- Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported delays across the area into the evening.
Residents in Stockley Hamlet were advised to:
- Close windows and doors
- Avoid the affected zone
- Check travel updates before commuting
What Did Witnesses See?
Local resident Glennon Walters described seeing dark smoke from his home. “It was dark smoke, so that normally means something industrial.
We knew it was up in the industrial estate just from the smoke, but we didn’t realise it was the new school until we took the pictures.”
Photos shared locally showed thick black smoke rising high above Okehampton, visible from surrounding areas.
What Support Is Available for Affected Families?
Local businesses in Okehampton have stepped in quickly. A gym, restaurant, and local food bank have offered practical help and support for families impacted by the closure.
Community-led responses like this are common across Devon during emergencies. In previous local incidents, businesses have provided temporary venues and meal support while schools arranged alternative teaching spaces.
Devon County Council has yet to confirm whether temporary classrooms or relocation plans will be introduced.
How Common Are School Fires in the UK?
While large school fires are relatively rare, Department for Education data in recent years show dozens of serious school fires occur annually across England.
Key UK fire safety trends:
| Year | Reported Major School Fires (England) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 90+ incidents | Includes primary and secondary |
| 2023 | 100+ incidents | Several are linked to electrical faults |
Electrical systems remain one of the most frequently cited causes.
