FIRE crews from Wellington were dispatched over the weekend to assist with water supply efforts at a major fire at a SEND school in Devon.

The Promise School in Okehampton was engulfed by flames and thick black smoke after a ‘serious’ fire broke out on the property on Sunday, February 22.

After the fire was reported, six fire appliances, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers were mobilised to the scene.

After establishing the extent of the fire, six further fire appliances were mobilised for additional firefighters and water.

The blaze created a ‘significant smoke plume’ and left the building ‘severely damaged’.

No injuries have been reported.

Those living near the area were told to close windows and the whole town was encouraged to keep water usage to a minimum due to a strain on the water supply.

Wellington Fire Station were one of 25 that were deployed to help combat the fire.

On social media, the station posted that their crew were using a HVP (high value pump) in Okehampton to provide water for the appliances at the school.

Crews worked through Sunday night to fight the fire at the SEND school.

The Promise School opened in 2023 and caters for up to 100 children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

In a statement the principal of The Promise School Quentin Gunderson said the cause of the serious fire was ‘unknown’ and ‘due to the extent of the damage, the school will need to be closed for the immediate future’.

In a statement Okehampton Town Council said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the devastating fire at the Promise School. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all those affected - the students, their families, teachers, support staff, and the wider school community.”