Tragedy struck Delray Beach yesterday when a grease fire erupted in the kitchen of Lemongrass Asian Bistro, located at 420 E. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach Fire Rescue (DBFR) was dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:30 a.m. to combat the blaze which caused injuries to four individuals and prompted an evacuation of the restaurant. In a report by CBS12 News, spokesperson Ted White of DBFR said, "Apparently it was a grease fire that happened in the kitchen, and we believe that someone may have put water on that grease fire which made the situation worse."
The incident led to a temporary street closure as emergency responders worked on the scene. According to a post on X by the DBFR, three individuals were treated for minor burns, and a fourth experienced chest pains. The block of Atlantic Avenue where the fire occurred was closed to vehicle traffic for 45 minutes.
Today at 11:30 a.m., DBFR responded to a kitchen grease fire at 420 E. Atlantic Ave. DBFR transported four people to the hospital, three for minor burns. The 400-block of Atlantic Avenue was closed to vehicle traffic down for 45 minutes. pic.twitter.com/JBEejebiEI
— Delray Beach Fire Rescue (@DelrayBeachFire) July 11, 2024
No customers were reported to have been harmed in the fire. "Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, but a handful of people were transported to the hospital," White told CBS12. The swift action of DBFR mitigated the potential for a greater disaster, as demonstrated by the fact that Lemongrass Asian Bistro was able to resume service on the same day.
The current condition of the three individuals who sustained minor burns is still unknown, as reported by Samantha Roesler of WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm. As the investigation into the exact cause of the grease fire continues, officials urge restaurant workers and the public to be aware of the dangers of such fires and the correct methods for extinguishing them.
