Fire crews from Bellevue, Mercer Island, and Eastside Fire/Rescue battled a kitchen fire Thursday, June 13, at Lil’ Jon restaurant in the Eastgate area. The fire at 1:39 a.m., sent a visible column of black smoke from the roof of the restaurant, a longtime local eatery.
The initial call came from a janitor on scene. A language barrier made it difficult for dispatchers to decipher the exact nature of the situation so a single engine company was sent to investigate. Upon their arrival five minutes later the initial reporting fire officer, seeing heavy smoke and flames from the roof upgraded to a full response. By the time the fire was deemed under control 30 minutes later the entire kitchen was heavily damaged by smoke, fire and the water used to extinguish it.
Firefighters began attacking the fire from inside the building, isolating the kitchen area. Fire continued up the hood and duct exhaust system. Two 1 3/4 inch hose lines were needed to mitigate the flame spread. Ladder companies provided needed ventilation for the interior operations to continue.
A total of 40 fire personnel were utilized at the scene.
Bellevue Engine Companies 2, 4, 1, and 8 were assisted by Engine 91 from Mercer Island and Engine 72 from Eastside Fire/Rescue. Additionally, two ladder companies, two aid units, a paramedic unit and a paramedic supervisor were on location. The fire scene was commanded by two battalion commanders, one from Bellevue and one from Mercer Island.
The building, in the 3000 block of 148 Avenue Southeast, has been at the location for many years. It is a popular place known for its breakfasts and meeting areas for groups, families and friends. There is no estimate of when they can return to business operations due to the extensive kitchen damage.The final damage estimate will likely be approximately $475,000.
There is no preliminary cause to report and Bellevue fire investigators are working through the morning hours to try and determine a cause.
There are no injuries to report from either fire crews or civilians.
