Cause of fire at Brewsters restaurant still under investigation

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - A fire was reported Sunday evening in the North Gate Square building on the Old Steese Highway.

A caller had reported smoke coming from Brewster’s restaurant around 6:40 p.m.

Fire crews were dispatched to the area to find the back of the building had visible smoke and discovered a “working” fire in the kitchen.

Because Brewsters was closed on Sunday, there was no one in the business when the Fairbanks Fire Department arrived. Businesses located next to Brewsters include GOOD Cannabis and U.S. Nails & Spa. According to Fairbanks Fire Chief Scott Raygor, there were people dining in Bahn Thai Rama Restaurant, and those inside were instructed to leave.

“Our engine crews along with the Fairbanks Fire Department had to evacuate the rest of the mall and remove the occupants that were currently having dinner at the time on the other end of the building,” said Raygor.

Currently, the fire is under investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Chief Raygor stated the kitchen had significant damage in Brewsters, but the rest of the mall was not damaged.

No injuries were reported, and Raygor said this fire is a good reminder to the public if you see something, say something.

“If you see something that looks out of the ordinary, lots of smoke pouring out of a building that is not coming out from a chimney, make that call and let somebody know about it,” said Raygor.

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