FIREFIGHTERS say they’re confident the blaze which ripped through staff quarters and the roof of Poole’s Miller & Carter Steakhouse started accidentally.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman also told the Echo that investigations into the cause of the fire were being focused on the living accommodation.

Fourteen fire crews tackled the blaze, which started at the pub in Wallisdown Road on Saturday afternoon.

They used the aerial ladder and managed to stop the fire destroying the entire building.

No-one was injured in the drama and all staff and customers were safely evacuated.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Miller & Carter said: “Our first priority is always the safety of our customers and staff, and we’re glad to see that the team initiated the required circumstances and that our restaurant in Poole was evacuated safely and quickly.

“We are working with the fire service to understand what has happened and have begun a structural investigation.

“Once we have assessed the scope of the damage, we will begin remedial works promptly with a view to reopening this highly successful restaurant as soon as possible.”