On Monday, December 12, a call came in to the North Royalton Fire Department at about 8:30 p.m. from a person driving by the Burger King, located at 5702 Royalton Road. The caller said that heavy smoke was coming from the smoke stack for the grease trap. There were flames in the hood that could not be put out with an extinguisher. Everyone was immediately evacuated.
Mutual aid was given by Broadview Heights, who responded with a ladder, as well as Hinckley, Strongsville and Parma. CEI and Columbia Gas also responded.
According to Fire Chief Bob Chegan, there was a pretty significant fire, that started in the vent, up in the hood system. “There is a suppression system, but, in this case, there was grease above where the system is installed,” said Chegan. “Another system did go out, but it did not put the fire out. It was too hot.” The heat radiated and burned the joists of the roof. “You cannot see anything from the exterior, but there is heavy damage,” said Chegan.. The fire was under control by about 9:56 p.m.
Chegan said that there have been a few small fires in local area eateries over the course of his career. Two of the largest, though, were The Raging Bull, across from the Post Office, that burned down about 23 years ago. That building was then demolished. Also, in the early 90s the Aardvark, which was located on Rt. 82, near Ridge Road, burned down and was never rebuilt.
It is not known at this time when Burger King will reopen.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer