Electric fault started Trago fire

Firefighters from across the county battled to control the fire

A report into a south Devon shopping complex fire says it was most probably started by an electrical fault.

More than a third of Trago Mills' site near Newton Abbot was destroyed last October. About 200 firefighters from across the county tackled the fire.

The official report said the blaze could have been far worse if it had not been for the fire precautions which were taken by the store.

The blaze was stopped from spreading by proper fire doors correctly closed.

Fire investigation officer Peter Smith said other businesses should take note of the store's fire safety procedures.

He said: "People ask why they should spend money on fire safety, why should they shut fire doors and have such a routine.

"Trago Mills is a perfect example of why. If you have a very serious fire, and haven't got that fire protection in place, the whole building burns down.

"As it was, the store was open again within 12 weeks. That is a fantastic example of fire safety."