HOUSTON – A fire broke out late Sunday morning at the original Mia’s Table restaurant in Houston, damaging the kitchen area before firefighters brought the blaze under control, officials said.
Read more Convicted felon arrested following SWAT standoff over domestic violence call in Conroe
Mia’s Table fire
What we know:
Houston Fire Department crews responded around 11 a.m. to the restaurant in the 3131 block of Argonne Street. First arriving units reported heavy smoke coming from the building, prompting a one-alarm response that brought five to seven fire trucks to the scene, according to HFD District Chief Darren Nielsen.
The restaurant was not yet open for business when the fire began, and management successfully evacuated all employees before firefighters arrived. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Restaurateur Johnny Carrabba, owner and founder of Mia’s Table, said the fire originated in the kitchen’s fryers before spreading into the ductwork.
Read more Body of missing swimmer recovered from Lake Sam Rayburn after three-day search
What they’re saying:
“Once that fire starts, it gets up into the ductwork,” Carrabba said. “The main thing is my family, my employees, are safe. You can always fix a building, but as long as everybody is okay, I’m good.”
Nielsen said firefighters launched an offensive attack to contain the flames and prevent the building from being destroyed. Arson investigators responded to the scene to determine the official cause, and utility lines were cut to secure the structure.
Because of extreme August heat, the fire department dispatched rehab and cascade units to provide water, hydration, and fresh air bottles for firefighters working the scene.
Read more One dead, two injured in Southeast Houston party; police search for suspect