This video shows the extent of a blaze that destroyed decades of costly equipment relied on by generations of kids in Exmouth, prompting supporters to dig deep and start donating.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the town’s Sea Scouts are fighting back against a suspected arson attack that destroyed its home – an Exmouth institution loved by generations of the town’s kids.
Supporters have reacted to a rally cry for help, already a third of the way to raising the thousands of pounds required to replace kit and equipment the youngsters need to have adventures and learn vital life skills.
Police investigating the blaze said three teenagers, a boy and a girl from Exmouth, and a boy from Exeter, were arrested on suspicion of arson. All three were released on bail pending further enquiries.
This video, filmed by schoolboy Benjamin Cockett, who lives in the town, shows fire tore through the wooden hut of the 5th Exmouth Sea Scouts, in Imperial Road, on Monday evening (August 11), destroying the group’s equipment and its meeting place – home to the club for more than half a century.
In the hours after the blaze the group launched a £30,000 online fundraising appeal, saying without ‘urgent help’ the group has no meeting place, or equipment.
Generous supporters of the group have already given more than £13,000 towards the target, determined the Exmouth Sea Scouts’ activities can continue.
For the last three years the group has been raising funds to build a new Scout hut, but cannot afford to finish construction until more money is found.
Thick smoke could be seen across Exmouth after the Sea Scouts’ hut caught fire.
Photo: Benjamin Cockett.
Monday’s blaze put added pressure on the group now it has no meeting place or equipment – camping kit, including the Scout tents and military mess tent, was destroyed.
And the heat from the blaze melted several of the group’s kayaks kept in nearby metal containers.
The club hopes the online appeal will raise the final funds needed to get its new-build project over the line, plus buy new equipment.
Fire crews from Exmouth and Exeter tackled the blaze.
Photo: Benjamin Cockett.
A spokesperson for the 5th Exmouth Sea Scouts said: “Our familiar wooden hut, home to generations of young scouts since 1967, has now been destroyed in an arson attack. Inside was all the equipment we relied on every week — kayaks and boats for adventures on the water, camping gear for nights under the stars, buoyancy aids, paddles, sports kit, heaters, kitchen equipment, and more.”
They added: “Without urgent help, we cannot continue providing the safe, welcoming space that has been at the heart of our community for decades.”
The fire service believes the blaze was deliberately started, prompting police to launch a witness appeal.
Police want to hear from anyone who heard or saw someone acting suspiciously in the area. at around the time of the fire.
The blaze destroyed the Sea Scouts’ hut and equipment, sparking a fundraising appeal.
Photo: Benjamin Cockett.
A force spokesperson said: “We are appealing for witnesses following a suspected arson at a Scout Hut in Exmouth on Monday.
“The fire service was first called about a fire on Imperial Road, at around 5.10pm on Monday 11 August.
“The building was destroyed during the incident which is being treated as arson.
“Officers are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area to contact them.”
They added: “Three teenagers, a boy and a girl from Exmouth and a boy from Exeter, have been arrested on suspicion of arson. All three have been released on bail pending further enquiries.”
Fire crews from Exmouth and Exeter tackled the hut blaze, where a number of gas cylinders were thought to be stored.
A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Two crews were sent to an old scout hut on fire, and on arrival requested a further two appliances.
“The hut was well alight, and crews got to work with hose reel jets and a main jet to put the fire out.
“Crews then requested a water bowser to assist with water supply. A number of propane cylinders were believed to be in the hut. One of these was safely removed.
“Crews damped down, with fire investigation being undertaken. The cause of the fire was deemed as deliberate ignition, and the hut was destroyed.”
If you have information to help police, call 101 or report it through the force website, or Crimestoppers, quoting reference 50250208284.
