FOUR firecrews were called to top West Devon hotel Gidleigh Park near Chagford on Tuesday night, following the outbreak of fire in the reception area of the property. A crew from Chagford, a 4x4 vehicle from Bovey Tracey, an appliance from Exeter and another from Moretonhampstead equipped with a thermal imaging camera, were called to deal with the chimney fire at about 9.30pm. They used ladders, safety harnesses, hosereels and other equipment to get the blaze under control. The two Michelin-starred Listed hotel has only just re-opened following a multi-million pound refurbishment. General manager Sue Williams said: 'Obviously it was all very alarming last night. 'The fire was in the chimney in the hall reception area of the hotel and very quickly it seemed like the whole house was filled with smoke. 'We got everyone out immediately and the fire brigade were here within ten minutes maximum. 'They were just great, really tremendous. They knew about all the work that's been done here and they took such care, they just seemed so happy the house was safe — we will definitely be writing to thank them.' Sue said thankfully the hotel was not seriously damaged and was open for business as usual. The guests were able to be re-admitted to the hotel by about 11.30pm on Tuesday night. l Firecrews from Chagford, Princetown and Okehampton were called to deal with three separate fires on moorland at Nattadon Common, Merrivale and South Zeal during Tuesday evening. Firefighters extinguished the flames with hosereels and beaters.
