Two rooms left ‘completely gutted’ after blaze at Chester pub

Jan 15 2010 by Gary Porter, Chester Chronicle

A BLAZE on the first-floor of a Chester pub has left two rooms completely gutted.

Crews from Chester and Ellesmere Port, along with an aerial platform, were called to the Bridgewater Arms in Crewe Street at 5.19am this morning (Friday, January 15).

The fire began in the office area of the living quarters before spreading to the kitchen. It was caused by unattended candles.

Watch manager Billy Lenthall and his crews returned to the scene at around 10.30am to make sure the premises was safe. He confirmed that the pub has opened as usual.

“The fire started in the upstairs accommodation of the pub because of an unattended candle”, he said.

“It quickly spread to the kitchen and by the time the crews got there the two rooms were well alight. But they worked courageously and kept it to the two rooms.

“Smoke alarms were fitted to the property and alerted the occupants so they got out in promptly.”