Paignton train station fire as major blaze causes transport chaos for hours

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have seven fire engines on the scene of a major blaze at Paignton train station as railway chaos is expected to last the rest of the day

Simon Hamalienko Publishing Lead and Shannon Brown

09:12, 21 Jul 2026Updated 09:30, 21 Jul 2026

Fire crews have raced to Paignton train station after a blaze broke out

A major fire has broken out at Paignton train station in Devon this morning (July 21) with witnesses reported seeing flames and a smoke plume filling the sky.

Torbay Road and Hyde Road have been closed in both directions after the fire began in the early hours. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said there are seven fire engines at the scene at Paignton train station, reports Devon Live.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire control received multiple calls to a fire in the centre of Paignton. Fire control mobilised 1 fire appliance from Paignton.

[A fire has broken out at Paignton train station this morning]

The incident is expected to cause travel chaos for the rest of the day(Image: DevonLive)

"Once in attendance, crews passed an assistance message requesting additional resources. There is now 7 fire appliances from Paignton, Torquay, Brixham, Newton Abbot and Totnes, 1 Aerial Ladder Platform from Torquay and an Incident Command Unit from Honiton along with supporting officers.

"There is currently 8 breathing apparatus, 2 hose reel jets, 2 main jets and 2 Thermal imaging camera and small tools in use. More information will be shared when available."

National Rail said major disruption is expected between Paignton and Newton Abbot stations and will last for the rest of the day.

[fire at train station ]

Multiple roads have also been closed as well as issues on the railway lines(Image: DevonLive)

A spokesperson for National Rail said: "A fire at Paignton station means that all lines are closed. The fire has also damaged the signalling system and as a result, trains are currently suspended between Newton Abbot and Paignton. Disruption is expected until the end of the day."

Article continues below

Great Western Railway have confirmed some of their services will be cancelled or suspended with some not being served at all due to the line being blocked.

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: "Due to a fire at Paignton station, the line is blocked. Train services running to and from this station will be cancelled or suspended between Newton Abbot and Paignton. Torre, Torquay and Paignton will not be served."

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.

[Google Preferred Source Badge]

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.