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COLUMBUS – Before they were able to welcome customers for the day, a fire broke out Sunday morning in the kitchen at Schobels Restaurant, 2020 Milam St.
The Columbus Volunteer Fire Department said the morning crew showed up to start preparing their breakfast buffet when a fire started underneath one of the griddles as cooking equipment was heating up.
CVFD said the cooks tried their best to control the fire, but it quickly grew out of their control. The fire department said the fire sprinkler system helped to save the business.
Chief Electrical Inspector and Building Official Richard LaCourse said the primary damage was to the kitchen and griddle itself. He said the fire sprinkler system doused 90% of the fire out. And the handheld fire extinguisher was used to extinguish any remaining fire.
LaCourse said the restaurant started working on repairs such as the fire alarm and vent system on Monday. He said this is because after safety systems become deployed or engaged, they have to undergo maintenance. After this is done, he said the restaurant will be able to reopen.
Fire Marshal Brent Gorman said the restaurant is working on bringing everything up to code and should be on track to open this week. Gorman stressed that staying up to code and investing in fire and life safety systems are important for buildings, especially businesses.
“There is no doubt that the fire sprinklers saved that entire building,” Gorman said. “It’s a very important part of a [business].”
On scene was the Columbus Fire Deptartment, Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Marshal, and Colorado County Sheriff’s Department.
The Citizen reached out to Schobels Restaurant. The staff said they are anticipating reopening on Wednesday.
