Yummy Buffet, located off State Street on Gilman Street, suffered $25,000 in damages Friday from a grease fire.
According to the Madison Fire Department, the fire was reported around 5:30 p.m. Friday evening. The MFD said businesses in the area reported thick smoke billowing out of a roof vent toward the back of Yummy Buffet and were concerned for the restaurant, as well as the safety of their own because of the close proximity.
Still, fire trucks and firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes despite heavy downtown traffic. The MFD said it battled thick, black smoke and shooting flames for several minutes before they were able to extinguish the blaze.
MFD said $25,000 in damages occurred and a majority of it took place in the kitchen area, where cupboards and cooking utensils were damaged in the fire. Also, the MFD said all employees were promptly evacuated and only one was injured as a result—that person was taken immediately to the UW Hospital and treated for minor injuries and excessive smoke inhalation.
Tony Chen, a manager of the Yummy Buffet, confirmed oil and grease caused the fire. According to Chen, the clean-up efforts started immediately after the fire was put out. He said workers spent all weekend cleaning the kitchen and prepared it for a pending inspection by the Madison Health Department, Building Inspection and Madison Fire Inspection Unit.
""We cleaned the floor, we cleaned the ceiling, and we sanitized everything,"" Chen said. ""The Health Department will come through and OK it, but I can't open until they do.""
Chen said the building would most likely be inspected today and customers could expect to be able to once again dine at the restaurant either late Monday or Tuesday.
