Part of Dunbar’s High Street was closed on Monday morning after a fire broke out at the Dunbar Community Bakery. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10.40am, and police closed the street between West Port and Abbey Road. Videos from the scene showed a fire engine stationed outside the bakery.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted at 10.17am and mobilised four fire appliances. Firefighters extinguished a fire affecting the roof of the building. There were no reported casualties, and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.
Police Scotland urged the public to avoid the area while emergency services dealt with the incident. A spokesperson said: “High Street in Dunbar is closed between West Port and Abbey Road due to a report of a fire at a premises. Emergency services are in attendance, and the public is asked to avoid the area.”
The Dunbar Community Bakery is a well known fixture on the High Street, and any damage to the building will be felt keenly by the town. Dunbar’s High Street, like many in Scotland’s smaller towns, relies on local independent businesses, and losing even one to fire damage has consequences that extend well beyond the building itself.