Hyannis landmark restaurant evacuated after explosion and kitchen fire… [VIDEO]
HYANNIS – Dinner was ruined for at least two bus loads of tourists after a can of cooking spray exploded and set fire to the back kitchen of the Paddock Restaurant.
At about 7:35pm, an estimated 100 guests were in the middle of eating their dinners, which included twin lobster plates and other main courses, when the fire department arrived, observed flames, and ordered everybody out.
A can of pressurized cooking spray reportedly exploded and became a projectile, sending a fireball through the kitchen and into the walls. The investigation is ongoing and officials are still trying to determine if the cooking spray was the actual initial cause of the fire.
Witness could smell wood burning as the fire spread inside the walls and ceiling. There were no flames visible from outside of the building and the smoke was mostly contained inside as well.
The moderate smoke condition, coupled with the concern the fire was spreading inside the walls and into the attic, caused fire officials to not take any chances. Equipment was put in place and hoses were charged, as fire fighters focused on the attic spaces above the kitchen.
Power to the restaurant needed to be shut off while firefighters fought the fire inside the walls.
A tour bus of disappointed hungry diners from Buffalo were blocked in by fire equipment, amusing themselves by watching television inside the bus, while keeping a cautious eye on the ladders, firemen, and hoses outside.
Firefighters used a thermal camera to hunt down hotspots. They cut into the walls and ceiling until they were certain the fire was extinguished.
Deputy Chief Melanson of the Hyannis Fire Department briefly showed HN the suspected cause of the fire after everything was safe and firefighters were wrapping up.
The explosion and fire made a mess of the kitchen and caused at least $50,000 in estimated damages.
There were no reported injuries.
Remarkably, an inspector from the board of health was already on scene checking out conditions and food storage. The Paddock Restaurant has two kitchens, and the fire and damages were contained to the smaller “back kitchen.” The other larger main kitchen was untouched by the fire. Due to the quick response of firefighters, the damage was kept to a relative minimum. Depending on clean up, and the determination of the board of health, the Paddock Restaurant may be reopened for business as early as tomorrow.
HN note: While inside the restaurant, HN observed the sad spectacle of several abandoned half-way-consumed twin lobster plates… arguably one of the evening’s biggest tragedies.
The Paddock Restaurant and Bar is a well-known Cape Cod landmark. It’s located next to the Cape Cod Melody Tent, and has been a popular favorite amongst both locals and tourists for over 40 years.
The following video highlights the scene, beginning with Deputy Chief Melanson’s brief explanation of the possible cause of the fire… [Press play]
Moon of over the West End Rotary in front of the Paddock Restaurant…
9/10/2014
Robert Bastille,
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