Historic rotunda saved by Devon firefighters
FIREFIGHTERS in Devon have saved a historic rotunda after smoke and flames were seen coming from its upper windows early yesterday.
The empty building at Oldway Mansion, Paignton, has been used by rough sleepers and drug users, and there were concerns about the safety of fire crews because the floor was littered with used syringes.
The fire started in the centre of the Victorian rotunda, built by sewing machine inventor Isaac Singer in 1873 as a horse riding pavilion opposite his main mansion.
When the first of six fire engines arrived at shortly before 8.30am, smoke and flames were coming from the upper floors.
Fire appliances from Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot and Totnes, along with the aerial ladder platform from Torquay, attended. Fire chiefs warned there was potential for a major blaze, but it was unclear yesterday how the fire started.