Fourth restaurant grease fire in Toms River causes some damage

Tag : grease 3

TOMS RIVER — A fire damaged hood filters at a Hooper Avenue eatery, andfire officials say it is the fourth restaurant grease fire thisyear in Toms River.

While damage was minimal at China Express Wednesday, local fireofficials are working with the state Division of Fire Safety todetermine if grease fires are a statewide problem at restaurants,said Toms River Fire Prevention Bureau Chief John Lightbody.

He said the fire broke out behind the wok in the kitchen of theHooper Avenue eatery around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. No one was injuredin the blaze, which was caused by an accumulation of grease thatignited, he said.

He said officials conducting the study with the state are trackingthe cleaning of
ducts and nozzles at restaurants, and trying to determine ifappliances are being
re-started correctly after they have been serviced.

The Silverton and Pleasant Plains fire companies responded toWednesday's fire.

Inspector Dominick Roselli is handling the China Expressinvestigation for the fire
prevention bureau.
Michelle Sahn