Maryport town centre closed by Bakehouse fire

The fire at The Bakehouse, Maryport's only town centre bakery, led to the partial closure of Curzon and Senhouse Streets. 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service was called out at 2.47am on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) said: "Upon arrival, the building was well alight and had spread to all four floors of the property.

"At the height of the incident, 10 fire engines and several specialist vehicles from CFRS attended the scene working alongside Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service, local authority and United Utilities to bring the incident under control.

Damage to the exterior of the building. Picture: Tom Kay (Image: Tom Kay)

"There are no reported casualties and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

"CFRS and Cumbria Police will now begin a full fire investigation process.

"Road closures are currently in place on Curzon Street and Senhouse Street in Maryport with diversions in place.

"CFRS crews will remain on scene throughout today."

The scene of the tragic fire in Maryport. Picture: Tom Kay (Image: Tom Kay)

Businessman John George, who owns Maryport News and From the Heart, on either side of The Bakehouse, said he thought all businesses on the lower half of Senhouse Street were likely to remain closed for the entire day.

"I came down at about 3.30am and counted around nine fire engines at that time," he said. "It is hard to comment. This was a very popular shop. We don't know what caused the fire and I think we are all in a bit of shock."

IN PICTURES: Major fire at bakery in historic Cumbrian town

Mayor Peter Kendall said: "I send all my sympathy and best wishes to the family and I really hope that they will be able to reopen in the future."

He said he was also concerned by the fact that several businesses would have lost a day's trading.

The scene earlier this morning, as fire services use an aerial ladder platform. Picture: Tom Kay (Image: Tom Kay)

"It is not even just the shops on lower Senhouse Street. The whole town is deathly quiet today. It is such a shame. We are spending millions on revitalising Maryport but it always seems to be two steps forward, one step back."

Sean Parnaby, chairman of the Maryport Business Group, has called on other businesses in the town to show their support.

"This has been absolutely devastating, not just for the Bakehouse, but for the other businesses in Senhouse Street that have lost a day's trading or which might have been damaged because of the fire.

"We are at the point of redeveloping Maryport's town centre and I would ask that all businesses help towards the recovery here."

The Bakehouse is owned by Chris and Nicola Blamire and has been popular for its array of bread, cakes, pies and more.

In fact, two of the people who work in the area said they will miss the £2.50 soup and rolls. "Nobody else does that and it keeps you going all day," they said.

REPORT: Firefighters extinguish early morning bakery fire that saw two road closures

The shop has also been a large part of the community. During the Blues festival, they could be relied upon to produce not only a 'blues window' but special 'blues treats' as well.

They often won, or were at least in the top three places, for window competitions designed to make Maryport's main shopping center in Senhouse Street a brighter place to visit.

Nicola Blamire, who ran the shop, was not available for comment.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.