CREWS from Holsworthy Fire Station were called in to assist the continued efforts to put out the fire in Exeter over the weekend.

The fire, which was thought to have started in the Castle Fine Art gallery near to the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter on Friday, spread across to the historic buildings along the Cathedral green, engulfing England’s oldest hotel, the Royal Clarence — which dates back to 1769 — in the flames.

Following Friday’s incident, the Holsworthy appliance was mobilised by Fire Control at 3.15pm on Sunday, to aid with the continuing efforts of the fire service.

Upon arrival in Exeter, crews were tasked with monitoring one of the commercial premises in the High Street, adjacent to the Royal Clarence Hotel.

During the course of the evening, the crew operated in rotation, maintaining a constant vigil for any signs of heat or fire. Crews used a thermal imaging camera, small tools and a hose reel jet to damp down hot spots.

Crews returned to Holsworthy at 1am on Monday.