Grease fire shuts down Carl's Jr.

BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

Firefighters quickly extinguished a grease fire at a Carl's Jr. restaurant on Milpas Street in Santa Barbara at around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Nobody was hurt in the blaze, which started when creosote and grease buildup sparked and ignited in the duct system, fire officials said.

"The manager had the employees clear out," Battalion Chief Chris Blair said. "There were about 10 people inside the restaurant, and they all got out."
After knocking down the blaze with fire extinguishers within five minutes of arrival, firefighters inspected the area near the deep fryer and ovens to determine if the flames damaged the attic trusses or walls.
"Structurally, it's not that bad," Blair said. "It's just a mess. ... It'll all be cleanup costs."
Owners will likely have to replace the deep fryer and ovens, which are estimated at around $300 each. The restaurant, located at 7 S. Milpas St., will be closed until building and health officials inspect the damage and repairs are complete.