Hometown Buffet Evacuated, Fire Contained

A restaurant fire on Monday cut Memorial Day lunch short for some frightened customers in Palm Desert.

Smoke was reported in the Hometown Buffet at the 72-513 Highway 111 at around 4:09 p.m., authorities said.

The loss was estimated at around $350,000, according to Cal Fire, which also said that $5,000,000 worth of property was saved.

Hometown Buffet customers and employees watched the fire burn out from the parking lot.

Cal Fire made quick work of the flames — the fire was out within 30 minutes of the first engine arriving.

“All I know is that something blew up in the kitchen and there was smoke,” said Stephany Martinez, a Hometown Buffet employee.

Cal Fire said it’s possible the fire started above the stove area.

At least 37 fire fighters were called to the scene, and they drove in 10 engines and two ladder trucks.

“Luckily, the fire protection system inside the restaurant also activated, so that helped contain the fire until fire fighters arrived on scene,” said deputy chief Ignacio Otero, Cal Fire. “They were able to put it out completely.”

Crews used the ladder trucks to get on top of the building.

Holes were cut on the roof for ventilation.

There was heavy smoke inside as well as some fire damage to the stove area.

“Usually when the fire (gets) too hot (it) starts burning up inside the hood. It starts going up and they got heads inside there — it’s an old system,” said Joseph Rangel, a customer. “The head blow(s) and then the water just goes everywhere.”

The entire strip mall lost power and forced the businesses next door to close down for the day.

Chuck E. Cheese’s voluntarily evacuated it’s building.

Some employees said they could smell smoke seeping into the restaurant.

“Actually, people were still at their chairs trying to eat their salads, and I was like, ‘ma’am, put your salad plate down please, you’ve got to evacuate,'” said Jessica Padron, a Chuck E. Cheese’s employee.

“I was very sad, (because) we don’t get to work and we don’t get to feed people,” said Martinez.

The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Chuck E. Cheese’s is expected to reopen on Tuesday, but the Hometown Buffet could remain closed for at least a week.