Major Fire Strada Restaurant Bury St Edmunds

Around 25 firefighters from across Suffolk continue to tackle the fire at The Strada Restaurant, Bury St Edmunds.

The fire, which was reported to Suffolk Fire and Rescue at just before 9pm last night, started in the cellar of the five storey building and quickly spread to other parts of the premises. The building, which was built in the 1600's and grade one listed had only recently reopened as a restaurant following refurbishment.Once the fire had taken hold there was significant structural collapse to the rear of the premises.

The now unsupported front facade of the building has buckled and is in an unsafe position resulting in the area close to the building being cordoned off.Due to the swift action of Strada staff, the 120 people inside the restaurant at the time the fire was detected had all been evacuated swiftly and safely by the time firefighters arrived.At the height of the fire 14 fire appliance and two high reach ariel appliance (around 80 fire fighters) from across the county were on scene.

Around 25 firefighters and 4 fire appliances continue to tackling the fire and it is anticipated that the Fire and Rescue Service will remain at the scene throughout the night and into the early part of next week, in order to protect neighbouring properties and to put out deep seated pockets of fire in the collapsed structure.Work is already underway with St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Strada, the owner of the building and neighbouring businesses to deal with the longer term consequences of the fire.