Tumble dryer fire at Staffordshire pub
A fire broke out on the morning of the Royal Wedding at an award-winning Staffordshire pub.
The Stafford Arms, which dates back to the 16th century, had its kitchen and toilet facilities destroyed in the blaze.
Despite the serious damage, the bar managed to open, temporary Portaloos were set up in the car park and a royal wedding party took place as planned.
Gary Heath, pub manager, said: “The kitchen was gutted beyond recognition and the toilets were smoke damaged. By the time the firefighters were here it was well ablaze. We now have temporary toilets and we are hoping to get a portable kitchen and we could be open for food as normal soon. We will know more when the assessors have been on Tuesday as to how long it will take to rebuild. I’m hoping within one or two weeks we will be producing the usual menu. We managed to move the bar outside with everybody rallying around. The neighbours have been brilliant for us. We are still operating despite everything that happened. We’re doing our best to get the full service resumed as quickly as possible”
Three fire engines attended the blaze. Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the kitchen at the rear of the building.
The fire is thought to have started in a tumble dryer in the kitchen when some dishcloths overheated and in just 20 minutes, the kitchen of the pub had been destroyed.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has reminded people not to leave tumble dryers unsupervised while they are switched on.
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