McDonald's has apologised after firefighters tackling a blaze at a retail park in York were denied free drinks.
Firefighters were tackling a blaze at B&M store in Clifton Moor in York on Saturday when they walked into a McDonald’s store while on a break.
A post on Facebook claims that the firefighters were denied the drinks as they were not carrying cash at the time.
It added: “Instead a lady overheard McDonald’s decline to provide Teas and Coffees for the firefighters and bought around 16 teas/coffees herself.”
The fast food chain has since apologised and said they would be happy to reimburse the member of the public involved.”
A spokesperson for McDonald’s told the Standard: “We value the fantastic work of our emergency services and thank the individuals that dedicate their lives to protecting our local community.
“On this occasion, we would like to apologise 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, one of the firefighters who was at the McDonald’s wrote on Facebook: “I was one of the firefighters there last night. Thank you to the lady and young man who brought us the teas and coffees, really appreciated.”
One of his colleagues Phillip Lee said: “Couldn’t have come at a better time. Many thanks from all the lads.”
The large fire broke out on Saturday with smoke closing the A1237 between Wiggington and Clifton Moor.
Fire crews called out 10 pumps, two aerial ladder platforms and two water bowsers in an attempt to bring it under control.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said that the situation is now “under control” and that fire investigation officers have been called to the scene.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed that no one has been admitted to hospital.
While B&M Stores said: “All of our colleagues are safe and fire and emergency services responded as soon as possible.”
