Kentucky Fried Chicken to temporarily close after fire causes $200,000 of damages

A Kentucky Fried Chicken deep fryer caught fire Friday morning around 10:01 a.m. in Rexburg.

The Madison Fire Department reports employees were preparing to open when three employees turned on the deep fryer and subsequently saw flames underneath. The flames grew in intensity, and the employees exited the building and called 911 to report the fire.

“The KFC employees did exactly what they should have done by exiting the building quickly and
immediately calling 911,” said Madison Fire Department Chief Corey Child. “Their actions in getting the fire department dispatched right away helped minimize the damage. Our first engine arrived on scene only three and a half minutes after we were dispatched.”

Crews report when they arrived, the deep fryer was on fire with flames impinging on other cooking areas. Offensive firefighting tactics were employed.

Officials said the fire resulted in substantial damage to the hood system and other appliances in the kitchen area. The fire also caused smoke damage throughout the building.

The fire department reports the loss is estimated to be near $200,000 and will require the restaurant being closed for some months.

Officials report there were no injuries associated with this fire, and the cause is still under investigation.