The Leitchfield Fire Department responded to a fire at McDonald’s on Friday.
Friday at approximately 5:15 p.m., LFD, Leitchfield police and EMS responded to the restaurant at 714 South Main Street on the report of a fire in the kitchen. Upon arriving at the scene, first responders found the building had been evacuated as heavy smoke filled the restaurant.
Leitchfield Fire Chief Tim Duvall and Assistant Chief Roy Hack, who were the first firefighters to arrive, entered the smoke-fille restaurant and extinguished the blaze, which originated in the hoods (a ventilation system located above the friers) and a fryer, within several minutes.
LFD then strategically placed industrial fans inside the building to clear the smoke from the restaurant.
The restaurant, according to multiple employees, was filled with customers when the fire broke out.
Duvall told K105 that before the restaurant can reopen, the hoods must be thoroughly cleaned and the grease changed. Once that is done, Duvall will inspect the facility and either give his approval to reopen, or instruct management of any continuing fire suppression deficiencies and/or fire hazards that need to be alleviated.
One restaurant employee who was working near where the fire began suffered a panic attack. He was treated at the scene by EMS.
It’s unclear when the restaurant will complete the work required, but Duvall said that, initially, Saturday was being targeted as the time for him to inspect the hoods and friers. He later told K105 that it might be a few to several days.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
