Lunchtime fire forces new Kennewick restaurant to close for repairs
A Gage Boulevard restaurant will likely be closed for the next few days after a Tuesday afternoon fire.
About five employees and a customer were inside the Boiada Brazilian Grill shortly after 1 p.m. at 8418 W. Gage Blvd when a fire started in an electrical room near a hot water tank. said Kennewick fire Capt. Brian Ellis.
Everyone inside managed to get out safely as flames scorched some plastic sending a cloud of black smoke throughout the restaurant.
One employee sprayed the flames down with a fire extinguisher before leaving. Firefighters from Richland Fire Department and Benton County Fire District 1 helped Kennewick crews.
The extinguisher was able to douse most of the blaze. When firefighters arrived, they extinguished where it spread to the walls and ceiling.
The damage was contained to the room, but fixing it will likely take a couple days, he said.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what started the blaze.
The restaurant, owned by Hélio Vieira and Josiane Ballin, opened in mid-2019.