Two houses have been completely destroyed and a third severely damaged after a large fire tore through a row of part-built homes in a new housing development on Prince Maurice Road in Plymouth.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene shortly after 6:30pm on Sunday, 20 April, after reports of flames engulfing properties on the development. The buildings, which were unoccupied and still under construction, were quickly consumed by the blaze.
By 7:30pm, firefighters reported that the fire had already destroyed two terraced houses in a row of eight. Crews fought to stop the fire from spreading further and managed to contain it before it could reach a fourth property. A third house was reported to be 80% destroyed.
After working through the night to dampen hotspots, fire crews confirmed on Monday morning that the fire had been extinguished.
“Crews have extinguished the fire and will return to the scene later this morning to monitor the situation,” the fire service said in an 8:30am update on 21 April.
Investigation Underway
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are appealing for witnesses.
“We are investigating the cause of a fire at the weekend in Plymouth and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward,” a police spokesperson said. “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.”
Police are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area before the fire, or who has dashcam footage or other relevant information, to contact them via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference 50250097853.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
The incident has shocked local residents, many of whom had been excited to see the new homes nearing completion. Investigators and emergency crews remain on site as they continue their inquiries.
