A fire has devoured the spectacular wooden dome of Mas Marroch, the emblematic space of banquets and events of the Roca brothers in Vilablareix (Girona).
It happened early this morning: around 4:30 in the morning, the alarms went off. The fire originated in the heart of the events venue, in that impressive wooden structure of more than 20 meters in diameter that has hosted some of the most important parties and galas in the country (including the 2016 Michelin gala).
Ten teams of the Bombers de la Generalitat were there in minutes. The fire was virulent and, as Josep Roca himself, the sommelier of Celler de Can Roca, recounted, the roar was devastating: “They were not fireworks. They were canes and bottles of wine with endogenous gas exploding and generating sadness,” he described on his social networks.
Fortunately, there were no injuries and all personnel were safe. The work of the firefighters focused on two points: extinguishing the dome (which, unfortunately, has been burned) and, above all, protecting the jewel in the crown: the 15th century Gothic farmhouse that gives its name to the restaurant and is the historic pillar of the estate. And they succeeded. Around seven o’clock in the morning, the fire was considered stabilized and the farmhouse was safe.
Although the causes are still under investigation, the first information (according to El País) suggests that it does not seem to have been provoked, and there is speculation about a possible short circuit in the back, although it is too early to confirm it.
Josep Roca, spokesman for the family, has defined the moment on social networks with a mixture of pain and hope: “Sadness, despair and resignation. Impotence.” But, as usual in the Roca’s, the mood is already set on the future: “Relief of not suffering for any human misfortune. Only inflammable tangibles. Nothing that can’t be remade and improved”.
The blow is hard, but the Celler de Can Roca (the three Michelin-starred restaurant) continues its activity normally. The brothers have already made it clear that, from these ashes, something new will be born. “Fire and smoke as a starting point for creation”, Josep reflected, “We will sow the future. We will cook new illusions”.