Fire at Parracombe School

A fire broke out at Parracombe school yesterday morning at around 6.45am.

Fire appliances from Lynton and Combe Martin were first to respond to the outbreak, but on arrival fire crews reported the school well alight and crews from Barnstaple and Ilfracombe responded to the call for back-up. 

Around 30 firefighters battled the blaze throughout the morning, with 2 main jets and 1 hosereel jet being used to extinguish the fire. Two breathing apparatus sets were used by the fire crew due to a minor asbestos risk in the building.

The fire was extinguished by Midday, with firefighters damping down until around 3pm.  Over 75% of the school has been destroyed by the fire and the other 25% damaged by smoke. The cause of the fire was still under investigation throughout the afternoon, but has not yet been revealed.

Parracombe School was extensively refurbished in 2009 and caters for just over 25 children. The school is part of the West Exmoor Federation and pupils are taught in collaboration with children from Kentisbury School, where it is thought that they will temporarily attend while other arrangements are made.

Head teacher Jayne Peacock described the fire to BBC News as "Heartbreaking" adding: "It's horrendous, it's never the kind of thing you'd ever think you'd have to deal with as a head teacher. There has been significant damage to a classroom, staff room and kitchen area. It's a very sad day." Ms Peacock said firefighters had managed to save the oldest part of the school. She added that she was unsure when it would reopen.