Dunelm, at the Quedam Centre in Yeovil, was badly damaged in the fire. Pictures: Sherborne Fire Station

Probe into cause of fire at Dunelm in Yeovil as firm says branch shut “for foreseeable future”

Paul JonesAugust 27, 20240 Comment0

DUNELM in Yeovil was badly damaged by fire on Sunday evening (August 25) – with the firm saying the branch will be closed “for the foreseeable future”.

Fire crews from Taunton, Street, Yeovil, Castle Cary, Crewkerne, Martock, Somerton and Wincanton were sent to the scene – at the Quedam Shopping Centre – at around 5.10pm.

A Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the crews found the store was “well alight” when they reached the scene.

By around 6.30am on Monday morning, the fire was out, they added.

“The fire was in the roof space, which was 30% damaged by fire,” the spokesperson said. “All the contents of the building were damaged by smoke and water.

“Adjacent buildings were checked and no smoke or fire damage was detected.”

Cordons were put in place around the building and car park but the public were allowed in to the shopping centre.

“We will be working with the police to investigate the cause of the fire,” the spokesperson added.

Dunelm said it was supporting members of staff at the Yeovil store, who would be offered alternative roles as the branch would be closed “for the foreseeable future”.

“Everyone was safely evacuated, and no one was harmed in the incident,” they went on.

“Our thanks go to the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service who were on site quickly and able to extinguish the fire in its entirety.

“Following significant damage to the store it will remain closed for the foreseeable future and further updates will be made in due course.

“As a top priority, we are now working closely with our colleagues who were affected by this incident to ensure they have the support they need, and all will be placed in alternative roles across the business while the store is closed.

“During this time we’d also like to remind our valued customers about the fantastic stores we have in Taunton, Weymouth, Salisbury and Exeter which will be able to serve all of their homeware needs, or they can visit us online at Dunelm.com.”