Western Morning News (Saturday)
Major blaze sweeps through coastal hotel
A HOTEL in Cornwall has been badly damaged by a major blaze which tore through the building in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The fire at the Elements Hotel on Marine Drive, Bude, triggered a huge response from firefighters.
All residents were evacuated and taken to safety, and given emergency beds.
Fire crews from across the county, including Bude, Holsworthy and Delabole, were mobilised to help tackle the blaze, which took hours to fully extinguish.
Images from the scene, taken before 7am, showed the scale of the fire – which reportedly could be seen from all over the nearby area.
Multiple fire engines and water carriers attended, with officers remaining on the scene as daylight broke yesterday.
The hotel’s management said on social media that, thankfully, everyone was evacuated safely.
They posted: “We’re sure you’re all aware of the fire at Elements. We want to let everyone know all guests and staff are safe.
“Fire brigade were on site very fast. We will update everyone when we know more information.”
A spokesperson for Wadebridge Community Fire Station also confirmed that all residents of the hotel were evacuated to safety.
They added that all were placed in alternative accommodation.
The Wadebridge fire station spokesperson said yesterday morning: “Crews from across Cornwall and Devon have been battling a hotel fire overnight in Widemouth Bay near Bude.
“Our water carrier supplied water to the scene while our major pumping appliance was on standby at Bude CFRS to provide area cover for the duration of the incident.”
Residents have since come together to offer help and show support to the local business.
A spokesperson for Cornwall fire service said: “Multiple calls were received to this incident, starting at 1.20am. Callers reported a fire within a hotel on Marine Drive, Bude.
“Attending crews confirmed one detached property with the rear kitchen area well alight and roof space involved.”
The fire was “under control”, according to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, by around 6am yesterday and fire personnel remained site.