Burnham-On-Sea firefighters were among crews from across Somerset called to tackle a blaze in Bridgwater last night (Tuesday).
Three crews from the town were initially called to the Old Vicarage Restaurant in St Mary Street at just before 8pm.
The fire, which firefighters said was started accidentally, was out by around 9.25pm and no-one was injured.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to reports of smoke billowing from a room on the first floor.
“At the time of call the alarms were not activating, so on the advice of Fire Control, the alarms were activated manually to begin the evacuation of their guests and staff,” a spokesman said.
“Shortly after arriving and liaising with staff, crews confirmed there was a fire on the first floor and the hotel was still in the process of being evacuated.”
At 8.10pm, the fire service said not everyone at the hotel had been accounted for, and crews from Taunton, Burnham-On-Sea and a Command Support Unit from Street were called to the blaze.
However, at 8.15pm, all persons were accounted for. By this time, the fire was well alight in two of the rooms, the fire service confirmed.
“As the fire developed it affected three rooms in total, as well as there being a concern for fire spreading into the roof.”
“However, crews checked the roof voids, and other than smoke escaping, they confirmed no further fire spread and worked to bring the fire under control.”
He added: “The cause of the fire, which started in one of the first floor bedrooms of the two-storey hotel, was accidental following fire investigation.”
“There were no casualties and all persons were accounted for.”
The room where the incident started was 100% damaged by fire, with the two further rooms involved sustaining 100% smoke damage.
“Once the areas were made safe duty of care was left with hotel management,” the fire service added.
