Devon hotel staff praised for actions during fire

Hotel staff at the Dilkhusa Grand hotel have been praised for their actions after a fire broke out at the hotel.

Four guests were taken to hospital when a fire broke out in the early hours yesterday morning at the 99-bedroom hotel in Ilfracombe, Devon. It is believed the fire was started deliberately.

Station manager Colin Mills, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said the incident showed how important it was for hotel owners to ensure their fire safety measures and procedures were in place.

He said: "The fire precautions at the Dilkhusa were well maintained and we'd like to praise the hotel staff for their actions during the incident."

However, he added fire safety measures at other hotels in the town may not be up to standard, and the service will be carrying out fire safety checks at hotels across the town.

Six fire crews attended the hotel. Firefighters evacuated 184 guests and staff and eight people were rescued or led to safety. Four were taken to hospital for precautionary checks suffering with minor smoke inhalation. Investigations are continuing.

The Dilkhusa Grand hotel is part of the Bay Hotels group, which has a portfolio of 29 resort hotels across the UK.

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