'Absolutely devastated': Fire destroys beloved restaurant
THE family had put their "heart and soul" into the popular North Coast venue for almost 40 years.
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POPULAR Byron Bay restaurant, Fig Tree has been devastated by fire overnight.
Police were first alerted to the blaze at 3.20am this morning.
By 6am, the building was completely destroyed by the fire.
Tweed Byron Police District Detective Chief Inspector Matt Kehoe said police were alerted by the owner of the restaurant who found the building in flames and attempted to extinguish it.
Police, Fire and rescue NSW and NSW Rural Fire Service attended the scene.
A Fig Tree representative said their main priority is our couples with upcoming weddings.
"Our team is working tirelessly to contact all couples and arranging suitable alternatives, including relocating their wedding to other Byron Bay Wedding venues," they said in a press release, released earlier today.
No one was harmed.
"The Fig Tree has been devastated by fire overnight," the representative said.
"Our many lifetime memories have been shared and experienced at our venue with people from all over Australia and even internationally either coming to dine with us, get married with us or attend as a guest.
"We really appreciate all the wonderful support of our local community, to everyone who has reached out, and how understanding our couples have been during this very sensitive time.
"The Devlin family, Fig Tree team and the team at Byron Bay Weddings are all absolutely devastated."
"Che Devlin and his family have put their heart and soul into the Fig Tree for nearly 40 years."
Heather and Charly Devlin first opened Fig Tree Restaurant in 1981 which was their family at the time.
Chief Insp Matt Kehoe said the dwelling was well alight and could not be saved.
"Our investigations are ongoing but at this stage we don't believe the fire is suspicious," he said.
"We also had our forensic services group and police rescue drone unit attend to assist in gathering further evidence."
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