Fred’s Inn heavily damaged in blaze
NORWICH – A broiler located at the rear of the kitchen at Fred’s Inn is being blamed for a devastating fire that quickly spread to the popular restaurant’s ceiling and attic Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage and requiring several of the county’s fire departments to respond.
The fire was first reported by a member of the kitchen staff at approximately 2:45 p.m., when he said he noticed flames inside the west wall of the kitchen adjacent to the broiler. Dan Rice, a cook at Fred’s, said he immediately dialed 911 and quickly got everyone out of the building, stating, “I was the last one out.”
Rice, along with several other employees and customers, all evacuated the restaurant safely, emergency officials said.
Chief dispatcher at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, A. Jones, said a full investigation into the fire continues, conducted by the Norwich Fire Marshall and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigation. The Norwich, Oxford, North Norwich, Sherburne and Plymouth fire departments all responded to the scene, he added.
“The original call reported a fire in a broiler that had gotten into the wall,” stated Jones, who was on the scene. “First responders reported heavy smoke at the back of the building ... the fire made it to the ceiling and attic and spread from there.”
Jones noted that Fred’s is, technically speaking, a three-story structure, and the age of the Inn’s ceiling and roof – particularly the central dining area – contributed to the severity of the blaze. There was, said Jones, extensive damage to the restaurant, although no injuries were reported.
Known as Rocco’s Inn between 1933 and 1935, the restaurant was renamed Fred’s Inn in 1941, when it was sold to Fred Biermann, according to the inn’s website, fredsinnparkplace.com. The business changed hands several times over the next three decades, and was purchased by current owner Armando “Chic” Cirello in 1977. Cirello currently operates the business with his partner and son, David Cirello.
This morning found the Cirellos at the scene of the fire, conducting their first walk-through of the restaurant and inspecting the damage. Neither David or Chic Cirello were available for comment as of this morning’s deadline.
An Evening Sun Facebook post reporting the fire yesterday afternoon has garnered more than 100 comments, with patrons of the restaurant and friends of the Cirello family offering thier condolences and prayers, as well as hopes for repairs and a re-opening of the popular – and historic – restaurant.
The fire was first reported by a member of the kitchen staff at approximately 2:45 p.m., when he said he noticed flames inside the west wall of the kitchen adjacent to the broiler. Dan Rice, a cook at Fred’s, said he immediately dialed 911 and quickly got everyone out of the building, stating, “I was the last one out.”
Rice, along with several other employees and customers, all evacuated the restaurant safely, emergency officials said.
Chief dispatcher at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, A. Jones, said a full investigation into the fire continues, conducted by the Norwich Fire Marshall and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigation. The Norwich, Oxford, North Norwich, Sherburne and Plymouth fire departments all responded to the scene, he added.
“The original call reported a fire in a broiler that had gotten into the wall,” stated Jones, who was on the scene. “First responders reported heavy smoke at the back of the building ... the fire made it to the ceiling and attic and spread from there.”
Jones noted that Fred’s is, technically speaking, a three-story structure, and the age of the Inn’s ceiling and roof – particularly the central dining area – contributed to the severity of the blaze. There was, said Jones, extensive damage to the restaurant, although no injuries were reported.
Known as Rocco’s Inn between 1933 and 1935, the restaurant was renamed Fred’s Inn in 1941, when it was sold to Fred Biermann, according to the inn’s website, fredsinnparkplace.com. The business changed hands several times over the next three decades, and was purchased by current owner Armando “Chic” Cirello in 1977. Cirello currently operates the business with his partner and son, David Cirello.
This morning found the Cirellos at the scene of the fire, conducting their first walk-through of the restaurant and inspecting the damage. Neither David or Chic Cirello were available for comment as of this morning’s deadline.
An Evening Sun Facebook post reporting the fire yesterday afternoon has garnered more than 100 comments, with patrons of the restaurant and friends of the Cirello family offering thier condolences and prayers, as well as hopes for repairs and a re-opening of the popular – and historic – restaurant.
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