Seven years to the day since tragic blaze

October 28, 2016 - It's seven years to the day today that Exeter's iconic Royal Clarence Hotel was destroyed in an inferno.

At one point more than 100 firefighters were battling the blaze. A gas main also ruptured adding extra pressure on emergency crews.

Workers from Wales and West Utilities were drafted in to help deal with the situation, meanwhile the High Street was closed to traffic and pedestrians.

The fire was declared as a 'major Incident' by the fire service and the hotel was evacuated as a precaution.

Speaking the following day, celebrity chef Michael Caines MBE, who used to co-own the hotel said he was gutted to see the pictures of the historic building ablaze and that his “heart went out” to the staff and residents as the dramatic events unfolded.

Mr Caines also said he was “angry” that the situation had apparently been allowed to escalate.

“As I understand it the fire was believed to be under control and there was even talk of people being allowed back into the hotel to collect their belongings.

“It’s horrible to see the images coming in and to think about how much damage the fire and all that water is doing to such a historic Exeter property."