HEROIC firefighters’ foresight has been praised for stopping a blaze at Sidmouth’s Fortfield Hotel from engulfing the entire building and threatening nearby properties.

HEROIC firefighters’ foresight has been praised for stopping a blaze at Sidmouth’s Fortfield Hotel from engulfing the entire building and threatening nearby properties.

Police Sergeant Andy Turner has hailed a plan put together by Devon and Somerset group manager Adge Tilke in case fire ever broke out at the derelict premises.

“I don’t think people appreciate the work Adge Tilke did prior to that fire happening,” said PS Turner.

“He identified the building as a risk and, as a result, drew up a fire fighting plan long before they ever got there. That was put in place almost immediately last Thursday.

“Because he adopted that plan, flats behind were protected and there was no need for mass evacuation. Really, there were no major problems apart from traffic disruption. All credit to Adge and his team for the work they did that day.”

PS Turner also praised police officers and special constables who assisted in the town during the incident.