Investigation launched into cause of fire at Riverside Leisure Centre

An investigation has been launched to determine how the blaze started at Exeter’s Riverside Leisure centre yesterday.

Emergency services worked together to tackle the major incident.

At around 4.20pm on Tuesday 21 February, Devon and Somerset Fire Service (DSFS) alerted police to a major fire within Riverside Leisure Centre, near to the Exe Bridges junction. A number of emergency support vehicles including around 17 fire appliances attended the scene to deal with this incident.

A number of local roads were closed, including Exe Bridges and Alphington Road, to allow emergency vehicle access and to carry out their work – these have since been lifted.

Inspector Mat Helm who led on the policing part of the operation, said: “In total around 40 to 50 people, including swimmers, gym users and staff were evacuated from the leisure centre, which became engulfed in smoke. Residents from one neighbouring property were evacuated as a precaution, but they were allowed back home last night. Two people also suffered minor injuries.

“Fire worked hard to get the situation under control and we were in a position at around 8:00pm to downgrade this from a major incident. Fire and police resources were scaled back, but the fire service had units there throughout the night.

“The damage caused is extensive and I imagine that the Riverside will be closed for the coming months. We are keeping an open mind in relation to how the fire started. In the coming days we will be in discussion with our colleagues in Fire Investigation in relation to what they have discovered at the scene, and if further police action is needed.”

“I would like to thank Marks and Spencer’s who allowed us to use their Café as an emergency reception centre. They took in a number of cold and wet swimmers and and allowed The South West Ambulance HART team (Hazardous Area Response Team) a safe area to offer support to those evacuated. Their support was greatly appreciated.

“A major commuter route was closed during rush hour as emergency services tackled the fire, we understand the disruption this can cause so all involved would also like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this time.”

In a statement, Legacy Leisure, who operate the leisure centre on behalf of Exeter City Council, said: “We would like to thank the emergency services and our staff for their fast action in dealing with the incident and to all our customers for their cooperation, understanding and continued support.

"The centre was evacuated successfully and in line with our emergency action plan. We would also like to express our gratitude to Marks & Spencer for kindly acting as a reception centre during the incident.
"The fire started in the sauna which has been extensively damaged. We are working with the authorities to establish the cause and to fully assess the damage elsewhere in the building. The centre will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

"Our customers are important to us and all Riverside health and fitness members, Aquazone swimming lesson participants and Swim 23 members will see their membership fees frozen until the end of March when a further review will take place. These customers will still be able to use facilities at the other sites we operate in the city, including Pyramids Leisure Centre, Northbrook Pool and centres at Wonford and Clifton Hill.

"We will be relocating staff from Riverside to these centres and where possible block bookings in the sports hall and group exercise classes will be transferring to Clifton Hill and Wonford with Aquazone swimming classes transferring to the pool at Pyramids. Swimming lesson customers will be notified by the centre team of the new arrangements."

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