A Sunday night kitchen fire at Pine House Kitchen + Bar in Dryden Township sent staff scrambling to evacuate and left the local favorite temporarily closed, after flames tore through the back of the house. Firefighters knocked down visible flames and vented the building, and officials reported no employee injuries. The dining room avoided direct contact with the fire, but it did not escape smoke and heat damage.
How firefighters fought the blaze
When crews from Dryden and neighboring departments rolled up on Sunday, they found smoke pushing from the eaves and flames near the kitchen area. Firefighters quickly set up a water supply, entered from the rear, cut a vertical roof vent to release heat and smoke, and applied foam retardant to keep the fire from flaring back up during operations. The restaurant's kitchen and food‑prep space took the brunt of the damage as crews stayed on scene into early Monday morning, according to MLive.
Restaurant statement and staff safety
On social media, the business told customers that no employees were injured in the fire and confirmed it would close for now while the damage is assessed. The owner did not immediately respond to requests for further comment, as reported by MLive.
Local resources and safety reminders
Dryden Township's fire department notes that its mission is to preserve life and property in the township and to assist surrounding communities when needed. The department also runs a free smoke‑detector installation program for residents, with more information available from the Dryden Township Fire Department.
What comes next
Cleanup crews and damage assessors will help determine when Pine House Kitchen + Bar can reopen, and health‑department checks may be required before regular service resumes. For now, customers are being urged to keep an eye on the restaurant's official social channels for reopening news and to follow local fire‑safety guidance while firefighters and inspectors finish their work.
