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Dunelm store fire deemed 'accidental'

Terry Francis Smoke rising from Dunelm store in front of car parkTerry Francis
Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the Dunelm store on Sunday

A fire which has left a town-centre Dunelm store closed was accidental, the fire service has said.

Serious damage was caused to the Yeovil store by the blaze at Quedam Shopping centre at 17:12 BST on Sunday.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) said the most likely cause of the fire is that "it started accidentally outside the building, possibly from a discarded cigarette".

A Dunelm spokesperson confirmed that following the fire the store would remain closed for the "foreseeable future".

The fire damaged 30% of the roof, with "all the contents of the building damaged by smoke and water", DSFRS previously said.

Tia Gallienne Fire smoking from Dunelm store with bystanders watchingTia Gallienne
The fire is believed to have started behind the building

In a statement, the home furnishings store said everyone was safely evacuated and no one was harmed in the incident.

It added: "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."

The Quedam Shopping Centre has since reopened after adjacent buildings were checked and no smoke or fire damage was detected.

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