Blaze Tears Through New Plymouth Homes
Two houses were completely destroyed and a third badly trashed after a fierce fire ripped through a row of part-built homes on Prince Maurice Road, Plymouth. The inferno erupted shortly after 6:30pm on Sunday, 20 April, catching the unoccupied properties while still under construction.
Firefighters Battle Flames Through the Night
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene as flames engulfed the development. Within an hour, two terraced houses in the row of eight were already wrecked. The fire crews fought hard to stop the blaze from spreading, managing to save the fourth property. Still, a third was reported to be 80% destroyed.
After working through the night to tackle hotspots, fire crews confirmed on Monday morning that the fire had been fully extinguished. A fire service update at 8:30am stated: “Crews have extinguished the fire and will return to the scene later this morning to monitor the situation.”
Police Launch Investigation, Call for Witnesses
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a probe into the fire’s cause and are appealing to the public for information. A police spokesperson said: “We are investigating the cause of a fire at the weekend in Plymouth and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.”
- If you saw suspicious activity before the blaze, or have dashcam footage, contact police via their website or call 101, quoting reference 50250097853.
- Anonymous tips can also be given to Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.
Local Community Stunned as New Homes Are Lost
The fire has shocked residents who had been eagerly awaiting the new build’s completion. Investigators and emergency teams continue combing the site as inquiries go on. The cause of the devastating blaze remains unknown as police hunt for answers.
