Masons Gin distillery damaged in fire after still explodes

A fire that broke out yesterday morning at Masons Gin distillery in Yorkshire, reportedly after a still exploded, is thought to have caused significant damage, with six fire crews working to tackle the blaze.

Image: North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

The fire is thought to have broken out shortly before 8am on 2 April at the distillery building in Bedale.

Masons Gin has since confirmed that no members of staff were injured in the incident. Fire crews from Northallerton and Bedale initially attended the scene in four fire engines after receiving a call at 8:03am. On arrival, the firefighters sought further assistance from crews from Leyburn, Ripon, Richmond and Stokesley, and mobilised specialist equipment from Harrogate, Malton and Thirsk. Durham and Darlington Fire Service also provided the use of their aerial platform.

Due to the intensity of the blaze, a nearby petrol station was evacuated and trains were stopped on the adjacent Wensleydale heritage railway as fire crew accessed water supplies form the other side of the line.

The emergency services put out the blaze with the aid of four main jets, a high volume pump and an aerial ladder platform, which helped to ventilate the premises via the roof.

Masons Gin was founded by Karl and Cathy Mason in 2013 and moved to its current premises in 2017. It produces three main expressions: the original gin flavoured with juniper, lime and orange rind; the lavender edition; and Yorkshire tea gin.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said at the time: “We received a call at 08:03 to reports of a fire in an industrial premises, in Aiskew, Bedale. A number of repeat calls were then received from members of the public.

“Four fire engines were mobilised to the scene, along with officers. On their arrival they requested additional fire engines (and an aerial ladder platform from Darlington) and support vehicles attend.

“The fire involves a single storey industrial building. Crews are working hard to tackle the fire and prevent the fire spreading. Everyone has been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.”

Janet Gleeson, reporter for the Northern Echo, said workers contacted the distillery owners yesterday morning to say one of the stills had exploded and they had evacuated the building.

Speaking to the BBC, Karl Mason said: “Obviously it’s very early, we are still in shock. The fire brigade have been fabulous and all the staff got out safely.

“It’s destroyed I think but it’s just a building, everyone got out safely that’s what matters.”

Masons Gin later released a further statement: “We’d like to thank everybody for their concern and well wishes following a fire at the distillery today. We can report that all staff are unharmed and there are no injuries sustained.

“We’d like to express our thanks to the emergency services and staff at SPAR for their support this morning. Updates to follow in the coming weeks.”