Devon businesses 'wiped out' in devastating fire

Four Devon businesses were "wiped out" when a devastating fire took hold. They say thousands of pounds worth of equipment has been reduced to rubble.

Firefighters raced to Station Yard in Hele, near Cullompton, last Wednesday evening (November 20), after multiple people reported seeing flames coming from a workshop. They spent the entire night fighting the blaze, which wasn't put out until early on Thursday morning (November 21).

That morning, business owners and workers arrived to find the workshop destroyed. Photos of the aftermath show huge piles of burnt out equipment.

PFT Southwest and Mid Devon Plastering shared the photos on their social media pages, saying the loss of equipment had left them unable to work. They wrote: "This week, PFT Southwest’s & Mid Devon Plastering’s workshop was destroyed in a fire, along with other traders who were share a yard with in Hele, Devon.

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"Resulting in the loss of thousands of pounds worth of tools, equipment, and materials. What we have spent the last year building up with PFT & years or work with Mid Devon has been wiped out in a matter of hours.

"Paul has been running PFT Southwest for last year and his rendering business for decades. The fire has left Paul without the essential equipment to continue his work, and the financial loss is significant. Replacing the tools and machinery, as well as finding a new space, will take considerable effort and resources."

A fundraising page has now been set up to help get the affected businesses back up and running. Jason Brooke, who created the GoFundMe campaign, said the impact of the fire on those working at Station Yard and their families has been "significant".

He said: "Any chance to make their living has been lost and has had a significant impact on both them and their families. After overwhelming messages and offers of help, I have decided to try and raise money for the men and there families, myself included, that have been affected.

"This has devastated all of us that worked at Station Yard and anything that you could donate would be greatly appreciated at these very trying and difficult times."

PFT Southwest has said any donations will go towards replacing equipment and rebuilding the site. They said: "Paul is someone who has always helped others, offering jobs, advice, and support whenever needed. Now, we’re asking for your help to get him back on his feet. Donations will go directly to the traders who shared Station Yard in Hele, Devon.

"Replacing the lost equipment and rebuilding PFT Southwest and Mid Devon Plastering, so Paul can continue to employ his team and serve the community.

"Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Thank you for your support in helping Paul & the traders rebuild after this devastating loss."

The GoFundMe page can be found here.