Simon Hawkins

📝Late on the evening of Wednesday, 12 November 2025, a fire broke out in the corner of St James Park around the St James Road/Well Street end. The fire caused damage to the buildings which house the stadium’s control room and first aid room. Both areas have been damaged by the fire and the adjacent Adam Stansfield Stand has suffered some fire and smoke damage. More than five fire crews from the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service responded, using hose-reel jets, breathing apparatus, ventilation fans and thermal imaging cameras. Within roughly two hours, the fire was under control, preventing what could have become a much greater incident. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. But the damage is significant: a large portion of the control room building is destroyed (approximately 60%), and electrical intake cupboards and wiring have been badly affected. The club has begun a full assessment of the cost and scope of repairs. Thanks to you; our owners, Exeter City stands strong today. With your help once more, we’ll be here tomorrow. We have set an initial target of £100,000 based on early cost estimates. This figure may be updated as the Club gathers further information on the total repair costs. Any funds raised that exceed the repair costs will be earmarked for future infrastructure improvements at St James Park. The monies will contribute to the possible removal and replacement of the necessary buildings & equipment required for match day operations. Due to the insurance claim process and timescale of the insurance outcome, short-term funding is required to cover these expenses and a contingency sum for unknown expenses. At the point of the insurance decision, The Supporters' Trust will make a further decision on what to do with the monies raised.All monies raised will be held in a Supporters Trust bank account ring-fenced for this project. Every donation big or small will go directly towards ensuring that St James Park remains the pride of Exeter and that our club can continue to thrive. The Club & Trust are hugely grateful for the offers of help that have been received since the incident. Anyone with expertise willing to help with the aftermath of Wednesday night's fire should contact [email protected] Donate here: gofund.me/8b41483e6 Kind Regards, The Board of Trustees #ECFC #SemperFidelis