Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Fire at Celtic Tavern Monday Morning Causes Extensive Damage

The FD responded to alarms at the Celtic Tavern this morning.

A fire that originated from a mulch bed has caused extensive damage to the Celtic Tavern, according to Northborough Fire Chief David Durgin.

Northborough Fire Department responded to a smoke alarm that alerted them at 6:45 a.m. on Monday morning. When crews arrived, smoke was visible from the building and a working fire alarm was transmitted for additional help. Sounding a second alarm at 7:10 a.m., crews from Marlborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury and Southborough responded with mutual aid.

By 7:40 a.m., the fire was knocked down, but Durgin said it had caused significant damage "reaching or exceeding $50,000."

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There were no injuries.

The fire, which started in the mulch outside the building, climbed the wall facing Belmont Street and extended into the walls and up to the ceiling and roof area.

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Through a joint investigation with the state's fire marshals, the fire was ruled accidental, though how it began in the mulch is still being determined.

"We can't quite determine how the mulch ignited, but it's not suspicious," said Durgin.

The building will need some repairs, said Durgin, due to heavy smoke damage and structural damage to the walls and roof.

Original post, 7:40 a.m: Two alarms sounded for a fire that erupted at the Celtic Tavern at 45 Belmont St. (Route 9) in Northborough shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning, according to police scanner alerts.

Within ten minutes, reports indicated that the Fire Department was "checking on an extension" and that the fire was "under control" at the restaurant. 

Check Northborough Patch for any updates on this story.


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