Pocatello firefighters and restaurant staff prevent grease fire from spreading

POCATELLO – Thanks to the quick work of both firefighters and staff, a fire at a Pocatello restaurant did not spread beyond its point of ignition.

Monday morning at 7:12 a.m., the Pocatello Fire Department received an emergency call alerting firefighters to a grease fire at Olivers Restaurant. When firefighters arrived, they found restaurant staff had already taken proper measures in response to the emergency.

“(Restaurant staff) did everything just as they should have,” said Kim Stouse, spokeswoman for the Pocatello Fire Department.

According to a notice at the building’s entrance, Olivers Restaurant will be closed at least today to address the damage. Stouse said the restaurant would have to have its hood vents serviced before reopening.

Authorities say staff were quick to call emergency services as soon as the fire started.

“They called in saying that their grill was on fire and that they had started evacuations due to it being a commercial location,” Stouse said.

While this was happening, Stouse said that kitchen staff began using what resources they had available to try and extinguish the flames.

“Our crews got there as they were working to try to extinguish it, and then they were able to ensure that they got it extinguished, and there was no extension of the fire into the surrounding areas,” Stouse said.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found that patrons of the restaurant had been evacuated, and that there had been no injuries. Firefighters extinguished the fire.

To prevent grease fires, Stouse said people should keep their stovetop clear and remove any grease buildup.

But thanks to the quick action of the restaurant staff when the grease fire began, the fire’s potential for harm was minimized.

“Where it did happen, they still responded appropriately and were able to act quickly and help to minimize the amount of damage and ensure that no one got hurt,” Stouse said.