Firefighters tackled a “complex” chimney fire at Torquay’s landmark Grand Hotel yesterday.

Devon and Somerset fire control received numerous calls about the blaze at lunchtime and sent three fire engines and an aerial ladder to investigate.

On arrival, the crews found that a chimney was on fire and called a further fire engine from Paignton to assist.

The incident command unit and support pump was also dispatched from Totnes.

“It is a complex fire and the crews are removing the chimney breast to get at it,” a spokesman said. The fire remained confined to the chimney.

The hotel was evacuated at the start of the incident at 1.25pm but it is understood guests and staff were allowed to return to the building two hours later.

Roads near the hotel were also closed.