POLICE say they are still carrying out investigations into a blaze which virtually destroyed a detached bungalow near Bratton Clovelly last month. Firefighters from Okehampton, North Tawton and Launceston were called to the fire which started during the afternoon of Thursday, October 20. Okehampton fire chief Ian Donovan said crews using four sets of breathing apparatus spent around eight hours at the blaze. Mr Donovan said: ?The crews worked very hard under very punishing conditions. ?One of the problems was the access to the bungalow was very tight, it was difficult to get the appliances in, and the water sources were also very difficult to get to. ?The crews used three hose reels and two jets to extinguish the fire ? it was quite quickly brought under control but the crews remained there until about 10pm.? In addition to the firecrews, a water bowser was brought in from Exeter and a fire investigation team attended. Mr Donovan said there was ?substantial damage? to the roof and structure of the building. Initially, there were reports that people were inside the building, but firefighters using breathing apparatus searched the bungalow and found it to be empty.
