Fire Crews Tackle Derelict Building Blaze in Torquay

Firefighters from across the region spent the night tackling a blaze at a derelict hotel in Tormohun, Torquay, marking the second fire at an abandoned building in the area in less than a week.

Emergency crews from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to the Sherwood Hotel on Belgrave Road at approximately 9:05pm on 3 April 2026. Five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were deployed to the site, with personnel using breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras, and various specialist tools to gain control of the fire on the building’s first floor. The operation continued through the night, and the fire was finally extinguished by 5am on 4 April 2026. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

This event follows a similar incident on 29 March 2026, when fire crews were called to a separate fire at a derelict building in Roundham with Hyde. The recurring nature of these incidents has prompted renewed warnings from authorities regarding the dangers posed by vacant properties.

Torbay Council and the Devon and Cornwall Police have repeatedly cautioned the public against entering abandoned buildings. Officials highlight significant safety risks, including unstable structures, unsafe flooring, broken glass, exposed electrical wiring, and the potential for exposure to asbestos. These sites are also frequently cited as magnets for anti-social behaviour.

The Sherwood Hotel has been a long-standing concern for local authorities. In October 2025, the building was subject to a partial closure order granted by the Plymouth Magistrates Court after becoming a hub for anti-social activity. Furthermore, the property was previously damaged in a fire in March 2024, which police investigated as possible arson.