Restaurant fire began on stove

By Eddie West Staff Writer

A fire which destroyed a Gordonsville restaurant two weeks ago started on a stove in the restarant’s kitchen.

The blaze destroyed The Loft Texas Smokehouse Restaurant which had only been open for business for approximately two weeks.

Gordonsville Fire Chief Daniel LaFever and an officer with the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s office investigated the fire the following day.

The fire, which was ruled accidental, ignited on stove in the kitchen area where steak sauce was being made, the fire chief said.

“The fire went up a vent and into the attic and ceiling,” LaFever said.

The kitchen was located at the back of the building.

An initial call to 911 reported heavy smoke coming from the back of the building.

The owner, some employees and a food distributor were at the restaurant when the fire started.

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