THE owners of a Somerset restaurant badly damaged by fire have thanked firefighters who risked their lives to save their business and the community which has rallied round them.
Justin and Claire Reeves were shocked when fire broke out – believed to have been in a tumble dryer – at Reeves Restaurant, in Dunster, at around 1am on Friday morning (September 5).
Fire crews from Minehead and Williton, as well as an aerial ladder platform from Taunton, were sent to the scene, in the High Street.
After battling the blaze through the night, firefighters said the blaze had caused “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”.
The fire broke out at the Reeves restaurant in Dunster at around 1am on Friday, September 5. Pictures: Reeves Restaurant
Now, the Reeves family has paid tribute to crews who tackled the flames, “especially the heroic firefighters who donned specialist breathing apparatus and entered the blazing inferno that was our restaurant and home, to save it, risking their lives in the process”.
They went on: “There will never be enough words to express our gratitude for their bravery, dedication and personal sacrifice.”
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They said they were shocked to see the extent of the damage when returning to the scene on Friday, which they described as “truly breath-taking in its scale”.
“Although it will take many weeks to put right, at least we will have a much loved home and a business to go back to eventually thanks to those brave men,” the family said.
“We would also like to thank the local community for the outpouring of generosity which we have received.
“Kind words, offers of help and offers of accommodation have been pouring in. We are truly humbled and overwhelmed by people’s kindness.
The fire broke out at the Reeves restaurant in Dunster at around 1am on Friday, September 5. Pictures: Reeves Restaurant
“Thank you to everybody who has offered to help. In particular, The Ways, Daniel and his team at the Luttrell Arms – who have provided us with accommodation this weekend – Tom and Susie Brown who are washing school uniform and essential clothing, the Ahern family who are looking after the dogs, Paige who is looking after our kitten, the Twiss’s for their company.
“Huge thanks also to the kind lady who has offered us the use of her beautiful holiday home in Dunster for the next couple of weeks.”
The Reeves restaurant, in Dunster High Street, before the fire. Picture: Google
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They set up a gofundme to help them. If you can help please do. Go to gofundme and search for Reeves Restaurant- all help greatly appreciated