Aftermath of Yeovil's Dunelm fire with 30% of roof destroyed

Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at 5pm on Sunday, August 25, and arrived to find the building "well alight", a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.

No injuries were reported and Dunelm's team were "all evacuated safely" and will be given "alternative roles" within the business while the store is closed, a spokesperson for Dunelm confirmed.

Crew from eight local fire stations were able to extinguish the blaze over the next few hours, working well into the evening to ensure the site was safe.

The extent of the damage can now be seen, with "30%" of the building's roof destroyed by the fire that was situated in the roof space, the Fire Service said.

Dunelm's stock was "all damaged" by the fire, smoke, and water used to extinguish it. (Image: Shevonne Fitzpatrick)

The extent of the damage at Yeovil's Dunelm. (Image: Deborah Bradshaw) Yeovil's Dunelm after the fire, pictured on Monday. (Image: Deborah Bradshaw)

A spokesperson for Dunelm told the County Gazette: "On Sunday afternoon a major fire broke out at our Yeovil store. Everyone was safely evacuated, and no one was harmed in the incident.

"Our thanks go to the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service who were on site quickly and able to extinguish the fire in its entirety.

"Following significant damage to the store it will remain closed for the foreseeable future and further updates will be made in due course.

(Image: Simon Richardson) "As a top priority, we are now working closely with our colleagues who were affected by this incident to ensure they have the support they need, and all will be placed in alternative roles across the business while the store is closed.

"During this time we'd also like to remind our valued customers about the fantastic stores we have in Taunton, Weymouth, Salisbury and Exeter which will be able to serve all of their homeware needs, or they can visit us online at Dunelm.com.

Quedam Shopping Centre confirmed that the store would be shut "until further notice", but added that the Quedam is open as normal for customers to access other shops.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: “Fire control received multiple calls to a retail fire in Yeovil. 

“3 pumping appliances from Yeovil, Sherborne and Martock and an Aerial ladder platform from Taunton were alerted. Crews then made up for a further 3 pumping appliances before then making pumps 8 for personnel. Crews from Crewkerne, Wincanton and Castle Cary also attended. 

(Image: Simon Richardson)

(Image: Simon Richardson)

“On arrival crews confirmed the building was well alight. Crews used the Aerial ladder platform, 2 Breathing Apparatus, one 13.5 meter ladder, two 51mm jets and one hose reel.”

Updating its statement on Monday, August 25, the service added: “The fire has been extinguished. The fire was in the roof space, which was 30% damaged by fire. All the contents of the building were damaged by smoke and water. 

“Adjacent buildings were checked and no smoke or fire damage was detected.

“Cordons remain in place around the building and car park but the public can access other buildings. We will be working with the police to investigate the cause of the fire."