​OWNERS of the fire-wrecked properties in Dartmouth were being handed back their keys yesterday so they could see the full extent of what they lost in Friday’s inferno.

Thousands of pounds damage is thought to have been caused as 15 flats and eight shops were consumed by the blaze which extinguished an historic corner of the town.

The disaster is being compared to the one which devastated the heart of Totnes 20 years ago, when the 16th century historic East Gate Arch was destroyed. It was later rebuilt.

Structural experts are now assessing the smouldering remains of the Tudor buildings in Fairfax Place to see if they can be preserved.

English Heritage have already admitted the 500-year-old buildings affected by the fire are a ‘hugely significant part’ of the old town.

A spokesman said: “We will work with the local authority to help assess the damage to the original fabric of the buildings and begin the process of identifying what can and cannot be salvaged from the fire.”

Around 80 firefighters from across South Devon, including Plymouth and Exeter, were drafted in the tackle the incident.

Fire spokesman Ian Heywood said yesterday: “I think the crews did very well to contain the fire in the circumstances. It was made difficult because of the age of the buildings and the number of voids which were filled by flames and smoke allowing the fire to take hold so rapidly.

“It was a major strain on our resources with 18 appliances at the scene at one stage.

“Only the Totnes fire in 1990 can compare to it. But at least we stopped the fire heading in the direction of buildings towards the Lower Ferry.”

The cause of the fire is thought to have been an electrical fault in one of the commercial premises. No one was hurt.

Station manager Heywood added: “The investigation has been scaled down but is ongoing. Due to the danger of further collapse it has not been possible to excavate the area of origin fully. Early indications suggest an accidental cause.”

He thanked all the individuals and agencies who helped the firefighting and investigation ‘in so many ways’.

“Everyone was able to escape from all the buildings. This incident emphasises the need for early warning in case of fire and early action,” he said.

“We strongly recommend every home has at least one smoke alarm at each floor level, and they are checked regularly.

“Modern wireless DECT telephones only work when there is an electricity supply; a mobile phone cannot always get a signal and sometimes the battery runs flat. We recommend people should also have a corded telephone for use in an emergency.

“People with responsibilities for buildings are reminded fire safety law applies in most places except domestic premises. The law requires them to conduct a fire risk assessment and act upon the findings.”

Advice on fire safety law is available at www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw