McDonald’s has issued an apology over its staff refusing firefighters free drinks in York, United Kingdom, on Oct. 13.
The firefighters had been tackling a blaze at a branch of discount store B&M in Clifton Moor retail park.
According to a community Facebook post, a number of firefighters had approached a nearby McDonald’s while taking a break from their work. They reportedly asked if they could have some free drinks, because they didn’t have any cash on hand while they were on call.
They were refused and it was said that two members of the public paid for their drinks instead.
The Facebook post said that a lady “overheard McDonald’s decline to provide teas and coffees for the firefighters and bought around 16 teas/coffees herself.”
Imagine you've been tackling a large blaze like this for hours on end, in full firefighter equipment and a rather warm…
تم النشر بواسطة Cleveland and North Yorkshire Alert في الأحد، ١٤ أكتوبر ٢٠١٨
McDonald’s has apologized for the incident and offered to reimburse the costs.
“We value the fantastic work of our emergency services and thank the individuals that dedicate their lives to protecting our local community,” said a spokesperson for McDonald’s, according to the Evening Standard.
“On this occasion, we would like to apologize to the firefighters who bravely tackled last night’s fire. They should have been provided with free refreshments on the night as a small recognition for their efforts.”
“McDonald’s will of course be happy to reimburse the member of public involved and we will be in touch directly with our local fire & rescue service.”
Steve Brown, whose Facebook account indicates he is a crew manager at North Yorkshire Fire Service, wrote, “I was one of the firefighters their last night, thank you to the lady and young man who brought us the teas and coffees, really appreciated.”
Another firefighter, Phil Lee, wrote on Facebook, “I also attended last night’s fire and would like to thank the lady and the young man who brought the teas and coffees. Couldn’t of come at a better time. Many thanks from all the lads.”
The blaze at Clifton Moor retail park was brought under control. The store has been rendered a “burnt-out shell” from the fire, according to BBC reporter Phil Bodmer.
Massive flames now engulfing B&M home store in #York as huge fire takes hold pic.twitter.com/SSIP9JOHY3
— Phil Bodmer (@philbodmer) October 13, 2018
The North Yorkshire Fire Service said that an investigation into the cause of the fire started Oct. 14, LADBible reported.
Crews from across @NorthYorksFire have been tackling a large fire in shopping outlet at #York #CliftonMoor. 10 x Pumps, 2 x Ariel ladder platforms a High Volume Pump and supporting officers attended. Crews will be on scene throughout the night pic.twitter.com/Qqk3mG7tQc
— SM Bob Hoskins (@SierraZero8) October 13, 2018