Bedford Fire and police responded to 1750 TapHouse on Route 101 Tuesday after employees reported a fire a few hours before the restaurant was set to open for the evening.
At about 1:26 p.m. the call came in to Bedford Fire Department and firefighters could see a large amount of smoke upon arrival, and immediately called for a second alarm bringing mutual aid to the scene from surrounding towns. Deputy Fire Chief Eric Dubowik said the fire appears to have originated in a shed at the rear of the building and was spreading to the side of the building and attic.
Crews set up water supply, and began providing protection to the large amount of adjacent businesses in the large complex, and managed to protect the main structure. Firefighters cut ventilation holes in the roof, and continued to work on fighting the fire while preventing it from spreading.
No injuries were reported. Initial investigation shows the fire appears to have started in or near a shed in the rear of the building and the fire does not appear to be suspicious. The building was not equipped with sprinklers due to the age of the building.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the dozens of employees who have been affected just before the holidays. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
