Cullompton Blaze Destroys Laundrette

FIREFIGHTERS have been praised for their swift action in tackling a blaze which destroyed two flats and a roof above a launderette.

They stopped the fire from spreading to a baptist church and a pub next to the launderette in High Street, Cullompton during the blaze early this morning.

Crews from Cullompton, Tiverton, Exeter and Exmouth arrived to see flames 20ft high at Harlequin Valet launderette.

Retained fireman Chris Richards, from Cullompton, called his wife Kate and asked her to take the key to the church following fears the blaze could spread to the building.

Regulars from the Market House Inn, also adjoining the   launderette, were evacuated.

Kate, from St Andrews Estate: “We are members of the church and hold a key for such emergencies.”

For more details see tomorrow's Express & Echo page 8, and next Tuesday's Gazette.