Northside Bakery Owner Vows to Reopen After Devastating Fire
The owner of Ireland’s oldest bakery pledges to rebuild after a fire destroyed her business, leaving her family legacy in jeopardy.
Cork, Ireland, Healy’s Bakery, Fire, Rachel Healy
Cork: The owner of Healy’s Bakery, Rachel Healy, is feeling pretty lost after a fire wiped out her family’s 163-year-old business. She’s the sixth generation running the bakery, and now it’s all gone. The fire started from an electrical issue, and thankfully, it wasn’t arson.
The fire broke out early in the morning, around 6 am, when a staff member noticed smoke. It turned into a big emergency, with over 20 firefighters rushing to the scene. Rachel said they can’t even go back inside yet because the fumes are too toxic. It’s heartbreaking to see everything gone in just ten minutes.
Rachel and her team are still in shock. Many of them have been working there for nearly two decades. She’s been part of the bakery for over 35 years! They’ve had to close down for now, and Rachel is really sorry for anyone who had cake orders.
But she’s not giving up. Rachel is determined to rebuild, especially for her nephew Charlie, who’s eager to join the family business. He’s learning the ropes and even plans to get a bakery degree in London.
Rachel feels the bakery is too important to just let go. It’s been around since 1862, and she wants to keep the legacy alive. She’s been overwhelmed by the support from the community, with people offering help and equipment to get back on her feet.
Right now, Rachel is trying to figure out her next steps. She’s been in touch with her insurance and is busy canceling orders. It’s tough, especially since the fire has affected not just her but the whole Blackpool area. Other local businesses are feeling the impact too.
Tom Dennehy, who runs a seafood shop nearby, expressed how devastating this is for everyone. They all rely on each other, and Rachel has put so much into her bakery. Local leaders are rallying around her, hoping she’ll rebuild stronger than ever.
Yesterday, the fire brigade confirmed they were called out early in the morning. They had to evacuate nearby properties and ensure everyone was safe. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, but the damage to the bakery is a huge loss for the community.