FIREFIGHTERS were sent tackle a blaze at a West Somerset restaurant in the early hours of Friday morning (September 5).

The incident was reported in Dunster, with fire crews from Taunton, Minehead and Williton sent to the scene at just after 1am.

“Three fire appliances from Minehead and Williton, an aerial ladder platform from Taunton and an officer were mobilised to a report of a fire involving a tumble dryer at a restaurant,” a Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“Initial crews got to work on the fire in the kitchen using two breathing apparatus sets, one hose reel jet and a covering jet. All persons were quickly confirmed as being accounted for.

“Breathing apparatus sets were increased to six and hose reel jets to two. Thermal imaging cameras were also used. Gas and electrics were isolated and breathing apparatus wearers reduced to four. Crews were monitoring the scene with the thermal imaging cameras and Wales and West were also in attendance.

“The incident commander requested an additional fire appliance for breathing apparatus wearers which came from Williton, however the aerial was released from the scene.

“The thermal imaging camera was used to identify remaining hotspots and any fire spread in neighbouring property. A positive pressure ventilation fan was used to ventilate the property.

“This property was used as a restaurant and commercial ground floor with residential above.

“There was 100% damage by fire and smoke to the rear kitchen on the ground floor and front kitchen on the ground floor was 100% damaged by fire and 50% smoke.

“There was 50% smoke damage to the restaurant and 50% fire damage to the first floor residential area. 25% smoke damage to the second floor. There were no casualties and the cause was believed accidental.”