Smoke Billows From Abandoned Torquay Hotel

Firefighters battle blaze at former Sherwood Hotel for second straight day

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:13pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firefighters in Torquay are working to extinguish a fire at the abandoned Sherwood Hotel, which has been burning for the second consecutive day. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities suspect it may have been started intentionally.

Why it matters

The Sherwood Hotel has been vacant for several years, and the recurring fires raise concerns about public safety and the deterioration of abandoned buildings in the Torquay area. Fires at derelict properties can also pose environmental hazards and strain local emergency response resources.

The details

Firefighters were first called to the former Sherwood Hotel on Tuesday after smoke was seen billowing from the building. Despite their efforts, the fire reignited on Wednesday, leading to a renewed response from local fire crews. The cause of the initial fire is still under investigation, but authorities believe it may have been deliberately set.

  • The first fire at the Sherwood Hotel was reported on Tuesday, April 4, 2026.
  • Firefighters were called back to the scene on Wednesday, April 5, 2026 as the fire reignited.

The players

Torquay Fire Service

The local fire department responsible for responding to the blaze at the abandoned Sherwood Hotel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the fires and work to secure the abandoned Sherwood Hotel to prevent future incidents.

The takeaway

The recurring fires at the derelict Sherwood Hotel highlight the need for better management and oversight of abandoned buildings in Torquay to ensure public safety and prevent potential environmental hazards.