Press release: Hugh/Fire Service (February 9)

After 36 hours the team at River Cottage have finally been able to contact Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall via satellite on his filming trip. 

"I'm so shocked to hear the news of the fire in our barn at Park Farm, our River Cottage HQ," he said. 

"I'm filming a long way away right now and it's just impossible to imagine," he added. 

"Obviously it's a huge relief that nobody's been hurt, and I'm very grateful to the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service for their prompt response and all their help.

"I understand there's already a plan underway to set up a working field kitchen so we can continue to host our events, teach our courses and look after our guests in the coming months.

"I've no doubt the whole River Cottage team will be pulling together to make this happen.

"And in due course we'll set about restoring our lovely Devon barn to it's former glory.

"Thanks so much to all those who have sent us messages of support."

Following the fire at River Cottage on Tuesday evening the fire services are continuing their investigation.

Mike Burroughs of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: "It is too early to speculate on the cause of the fire, but I can categorically state that the fire did not start in the wood fired bread oven or the fish smoke."

In the meantime the River Cottage team are talking to a number of companies to look at options for the site to be up and running in a matter of days.

The barn is only one of several buildings at Park Farm which are used for courses and events and there are plans being discussed today for an additional kitchen and events space to support these.

LINKS

Latest River Cottage events and courses update

Statement regarding press inaccuracies
 

@rivercottage
  • RT @windlejac: @rivercottage pun aside... It would be great to see Hugh in Burnley, to promote land share and grow your own.
  • RT @axcanteen: We are now open Wednesday to Saturday nights - check our calendar and book online. link link
  • Via @alittlebirdcom: Here’s a great #rivercottage winter stew recipe to warm us all. Shin of beef with ginger and soy: link
  • RT @AimiHealey: Just ordered tickets to Get Growing @rivercottage - haven't told Mr B, its a s'prise :o)
  • Press release by #Hugh/@DSFireUpdates link
  • Meanwhile, everything returning to normal in the #rivercottage kitchen garden: link
  • Hugh: It's just impossible to imagine link
  • Hugh's reaction to recent events at #link
  • RT @axcanteen: Lunch smells & looks wonderful! Spiced goat tagine, cous cous & mint yoghurt. link
  • Read @DSFireUpdates official report here: link
  • "Cause not wood oven or fish smoker." RT: @DSFireUpdates Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Incident - Comm. Kitchen Fire UPDATE
  • Great news. Gill's rescued a couple of Stinger Ales from the barn. No wonder this morning's meetings have gone so well: link
  • Getting a few questions about Hugh's whereabouts - he's still away. He's been Photoshopped on that article. That's a very old picture folks.
  • RT @Ianshmikuk: @rivercottage "River HOTtage - Spark Farm" I'll get my coat!
  • RT @Butterfly_bangs: @rivercottage Phew! Fearnleys - missed it all. #firepuns
  • Hugh Burnley-Whittingstall - so here's the burning question. Is there a worst pun that that? Do your worst. #firepuns
  • @RonnayBarkay Yes, @HFWhittingStall is an imposter. Hugh DOES NOT have a Twitter account - he speaks via @rivercottage.
  • RT @Nickybuckland: @rivercottage you've gotta feel sorry for them really haven't you! See you @ get growing in spring. Came last year. & ...
  • Good effort from the @daily_star by the way. Very droll: "Hugh BURNley-Whittingstall" link
  • Tickets for the #rivercottage growing extravaganza next month are available. Adults £14.50, and under-12s are free: link
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