Herald Express (Torbay, Brixham & South Hams Edition)
Fire at harbour restaurant
A SERIOUS fire inside an American-themed diner brought Torquay’s harbourside to a standstill on Monday.
The fierce fire sent up a plume of thick smoke which shrouded the entire harbour at around 11am.
It is thought to have started in a faulty tumble dryer on the second floor of Jack’s Restaurant, on Victoria Parade.
No one is thought to have been hurt.
Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the day as investigation works began.
Two fire engines from Torquay and one from Paignton were initially sent – then after a number of calls were received by fire control, a fourth engine was sent from Paignton.
Crews from Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Totnes, Teignmouth, Brixham and Ivybridge were also mobilised.
Roads were closed and buses were diverted. Onlookers gathered at the road blocks to watch as the incident unfolded. Eyewitness Alan Furness said: “I couldn’t see the harbour because of the smoke across my window. Smoke covered the whole of the harbour.”
Matt Johnson, fire service group commander for South Devon, said: “The tumble dryer appears to be one possible reason that started the fire but we’re not sure yet.
“We’ve contained the fire to within the two floors and the roof.”