THE devastating fire at Hickory’s Smokehouse was caused accidentally, West Midlands Fire Investigators have confirmed this afternoon (Thursday, September 1).

Following an almost week-long investigation into last Thursday’s fire, it has been concluded that the blaze was “accidental” and started by an electrical fault in one of the popular Wall Heath restaurant’s refrigeration units.

Fire investigators have been searching through the debris since last Friday morning (August 26) and on Tuesday (August 30) discovered a CCTV recording device.

More than 100 firefighters from across the West Midlands battled the flames when it was at its height early on Thursday morning (August 25).

While Hickory's spokeswoman Paula Brown, said the company is “completely committed” to rebuilding.