Rexburg KFC will be closed for months following morning fire
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The following is a news release from the Madison Fire Department.
Today at 10:01 am, Madison Fire Department responded to a report of a deep fryer on fire at Kentucky Fried Chicken, located at 568 N. 2nd E. in Rexburg. In preparation for opening, three employees turned on the deep fryer and subsequently saw flames underneath. The flames grew in intensity, and the employees exited the building and called 911 to report the fire.
Upon arrival, the deep fryer was on fire with flames impinging on other cooking areas, and offensive firefighting tactics were employed. The fire resulted in substantial damage to the hood system and other appliances in the kitchen area. The fire also caused smoke damage throughout the building.
Madison Fire Department sent three engines, an ambulance, a command vehicle and 10 personnel to work the fire scene. The fire was quickly extinguished, followed by ventilation and extinguishing of hot spots.
“The KFC employees did exactly what they should have done by exiting the building quickly and immediately calling 911. Their actions in getting the fire department dispatched right away helped minimize the damage,” said Corey Child, Chief of Madison Fire Department. “Our first engine arrived on scene only three and a half minutes after we were dispatched.”
The loss is estimated to be near $200,000 and will require the restaurant being closed for some months due to significant damage to the cooking area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. All occupants exited the building safely and there were no injuries associated with this fire.
ORIGINAL STORY
REXBURG — Madison County firefighters were called to KFC at 568 North 2nd East Friday morning after a fire broke out in the kitchen.
The fire started around 10 a.m. and was contained to a fryer unit, according to officials on the scene. Crews are working to determine what caused the blaze.
Authorities say nobody was injured and the restaurant sustained minimal damage. The chicken eatery should be able to open for business later today.