A beloved Tofino, B.C., restaurant was destroyed by fire early on Thursday morning.
Fond memories and tributes are pouring in for Shelter Restaurant on Campbell Street, described as a staple of the West Coast community for many years.
“I think everyone’s gutted. It was just such an iconic restaurant,” said Gord Johns, Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni, who worked there when it was the West Coast Crab Bar in the 1990s.
“The ownership and employees have just been tremendous. They’ve been huge contributors to our community for so many causes.”
Shelter went up in flames around 1 a.m., according to Ucluelet Fire Chief Rick Geddes. An engine, command truck, and six members were sent to support Tofino firefighters, he told Global News.
Two videos posted to Twitter just after 2 a.m. appear to show the restaurant fully ablaze.
Fire crews remained outside the restaurant late in the morning, the District of Tofino said in a Facebook post. The public notice asked drivers to exercise caution in the area as the roads are icy.
On Instagram, Shelter confirmed news of the fire with a “heavy heart.” It said no one was in the building at the time, the fire did not spread, and its cause is unknown.
“For all of that, we are relieved and grateful,” the restaurant wrote. “Shelter is more than a business, we’re a close knit family.
“We know how stressful this news is for our team, but we will get through this difficult time together.”
According to RCMP, who were first on the scene, the fire appears to have started n the restaurant’s kitchen.
A Facebook post attributed to Tofino Mayor Dan Law, meanwhile, said everyone is “shocked and feeling the loss.”
“It’s been more than just a restaurant – it’s been a well loved community hub and gathering place,” Law wrote. “We want the whole Shelter Restaurant team to know that we’re thinking of them and their families, and that our community is here for them in this difficult time.”
Both Shelter and Law thanked the fire departments and RCMP for their quick response to the incident.
The establishment was a popular spot for community events and weddings.
“For 20 years, we’ve taken pride in being a pillar of the Tofino community, and we are so heartened by the outpouring of support from our friends, patrons, and neighbours,” reads Shelter’s post.
Johns said Shelter took West Coast ambiance and cuisine to the next level and has been a proud supporter and fundraiser for the local surfing community.
“They’ve just been incredibly generous. They’ve taken service to the next level,” he said. “We’re going to do everything we can … to support them in their rebuilding efforts.”
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