The McDonald’s Restaurant at 1604 Cape Coral Parkway is closed after a fire in the deep fat fryer caused about $100,000 in damage to the building.
The Fire Department received an alarm call from the restaurant at 12:40 p.m., and the first unit arrived by 12:46 p.m. Within three minutes, firefighters had extinguished the fire; however, smoke already had filled the restaurant. For unknown reasons at this time, the fire suppression equipment at the restaurant did not extinguish the fire.
McDonald’s employees evacuated the restaurant, with 16 employees and about 20 customers leaving prior to the arrival of the fire units. There were no injuries.
“The managers did an excellent job of clearing the restaurant and avoiding any potential harm to the occupants,” said Battalion Chief Dave Vieceli in a prepared statement. “Their quick thinking and proactive efforts prevented injuries and made our job easier once we arrived.”
The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental, officials said.
LCEC has disconnected the electric service, and city building officials have red-tagged the structure. The Board of Health has been notified. City officials estimate that the store could be closed for at least two weeks..