Extractor vent ducting has been blamed for a devastating fire at a popular restaurant in Argyle Street in Bath yesterday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Johnny Kidney
The blaze at Thai By The Weir was reported to Avon Fire and Rescue at 15.53 and upon arrival fire crews found a well-developed fire in the six storey building.
Two fire engines initially attended the fire, but were soon joined by more with five appliances on scene at the height of the fire.
The fire is believed to have started in the basement kitchen, before moving up the floors of the building.
Pulteney Bridge was closed by police to stop buses and taxis passing the building, with pedestrians also being prevented from crossing the road.
A crowd of passers-by soon formed to watch the drama unfold, with four firefighters entering the restaurant wearing breathing apparatus. They extinguished the blaze using two high pressure hose reels.
A female, thought to be in her 30s and a member of staff at Thai By The Weir, was treated at the scene by paramedics for suspected smoke inhalation.
It is believed the fire started accidentally in extractor vent ducting.
Black and grey smoke from the fire could be seen billowing into the sky from many parts of the city.
Crews now appear to have the fire at Thai by the Weir under control. @NOWBath @BathChron pic.twitter.com/iAPHr55GnP
— Johnny Kidney (@johnnykidney) January 17, 2014
Photo courtesy of @Zroblas on Twitter
