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A fire erupted that just moments after the conclusion of a wedding ceremony Saturday evening at Lakeview Pavilion, the well-known event venue in Foxborough, was started by a cigarette, according to fire officials.
The fire broke out at around 7 p.m. Saturday, just as a justice of the peace pronounced a Swansea couple man and wife. As the couple turned around to face their guests, they noticed smoke coming from the reception room where their cocktail hour was set to begin shortly, the best man said.
Foxborough Fire Department Capt. Ed Noonan told NewsCenter 5’s Kimberly Bookman that the blaze started in the back of the building where people gathered before the wedding ceremony. He said the fire was sparked by a cigarette disposed of in mulch that ignited vinyl siding on the building.
Cibley declined to name the bride and groom, saying the couple was distraught by the fire.
“The bride and groom are devastated — this was their big day,” he told the Sun Chronicle. “I’m thankful everybody got out safely. It went up so quickly and could have been a lot worse with 140 to 150 people in there.”
There were no reports of injuries.
Lakeview Pavilion was built in 1906. About 200 upcoming events were scheduled at the venue, and the owner plans to have an office on the site Monday to help customers.
In a statement released Sunday, the owners said they were grateful that no one was injured and thanked first responders.
“The Kourtidis family is devastated by the loss of the beautiful function facility that we have nurtured for over 25 years,” the statement said. “We want all of our brides and grooms and customers to know that they are our first priority. We are dedicated to making sure that they still have the wedding or event of their dreams. We are in contact with venues in the area and will be assisting all of you as you transition to a new location.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
