A FIRE which caused smoke damage to a number of retail outlets in Douglas this morning started in the offices of Baker Tilly.

A statement from the company said that the fire was mostly contained in the reception and the boardroom of the first floor offices.

The fire started at around 3.25am this morning above Topshop on Lord Street.

The Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was a major office fire which was "well established," when they arrived on scene. Conditions were described as "arduous" due to intense heat and extremely thick smoke.

Access to the offices is restricted until the fire service has finished their inspections.

The company has stressed that client service will not be affected and staff are now working from a temporary office in Bucks Road.

The computer system is fully backed up with scanned backups of all hard files and all phone lines have been diverted to the new site. Client files were completely untouched and undamaged.

Ian Radford, principal of Baker Tilly Isle of Man, said: "Obviously this is not good news but it could also be much worse. Nobody was hurt and nothing was lost that can’t be replaced immediately.

"It should be business as usual but if we do take any longer than usual to respond to you please bear with us."

Mr Radford went on to joke: "For anybody who is concerned – the Christmas party is still definitely going ahead!"

Also see: Smoke damage to retail outlets in Douglas
              Four fire crews tackle blaze above Top Shop