Mount Edgcumbe Businesses Aim to Reopen After Devastating Fire

A fire happened at Mount Edgcumbe near Plymouth last week. Businesses there might reopen next week for half term. The fire started at the Barrow Centre on February 4th. Two flats and two holiday lets were seriously damaged.

The fire did not reach the shops and cafe. Safety work is happening, and power is being restored. This will help them open for the holiday. Plymouth and Cornwall councils jointly manage the park.

Jemima Laing said nobody was hurt. Two staff members lost their homes. Over 40 firefighters worked at the scene. The Barrow Centre was quickly evacuated after the fire began. Staff got temporary housing in the park.

Mount Edgcumbe House was not damaged. They are investigating the fire’s cause. It seems it started in staff housing and spread through the roof. The fire service prevented further damage.

Laing mentioned the fire’s huge impact. Staff lost homes and belongings. Businesses had to shut down temporarily. They hope the cafe and shops reopen soon. The rest of the park remains open.

Mount Edgcumbe and business staff “pulled together”. Council officers secured the site quickly. Counseling is available for all staff. The local community showed kindness and support.

The Rame community provided practical help. Tom Briars-Delve said the community response was “phenomenal”. Local groups created fundraisers. People donated clothes to those who lost everything.

Tudor Evans is confident they can rebuild it. He praised staff from both councils’ hard work. The center had been thriving prior to the fire.