The owner of a Dunedin restaurant destroyed in a fire says she’s “absolutely gutted” and does not know what she will do next.
About 8am yesterday, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) crews from Dunedin, Willowbank and Roslyn responded to the fire in Filleul St, while a command unit arrived separately.
An Otago Daily Times photographer at the scene said smoke was coming from the second floor of the property and from a large industrial chimney.
The premises have been home to various restaurants over the years, including 95 Filleul and Bracken.
It became Brazen Eating House, serving tapas-inspired international fusion food with a Kiwi twist, earlier this year.
Restaurant owner Jacinda Reid said she had seen the damage done by the fire and was “absolutely gutted”.
“I’m in tears – I don’t know what I will do next.”
Crews had left the scene by early afternoon.
Fire investigator Matt Jones said he would visit the scene of the fire over the next day or so to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.
“It appears there was moderate damage to the interior.
“As for repairing and rebuilding, that’s up to the building owners and insurers.”
Mr Jones said the quick action of both the Fenz team and people near the building prevented the damage being more extensive.
“This was significant when you’re dealing with a building of this age.”
