SFD Responds To Fire at Long John Silver’s in Sedalia

UPDATE: After thorough investigation and collaboration between Sedalia Fire Department Fire Investigators and Missouri Division of Fire Safety Fire Marshals the origin of the fire at Long John Silvers was determined to have been in a trash can that grew until it was recognized when smoke and fire began venting from the roof.

Although fire alarm systems and sprinkler systems are not required by code in smaller restaurants, this is a great example of how easily a small fire can progress quickly and result in a large loss.

We had several inquiries about the cause and would like to thank everyone for their patience while we worked through this investigation. -- SFD

A fire that started late Tuesday night has shut down Long John Silver's/ A&W, 922 South Limit, in Sedalia.

Sedalia Fire responded and extinguished the blaze.

Get our free mobile app

The smell of smoke could still be detected at the scene Wednesday morning.

According to Sedalia Fire Chief Matt Irwin:

At 11:06 p.m., Pettis County Joint Communications received a 911 call for smoke coming from the building of Long John Silvers, 922 S. Limit. Sedalia fire crews were dispatched at 11:09:15 for this structure fire. Fire crews arrived at the scene at 11:10:57.

Fire crews reported heavy smoke coming from the roof of the building on their arrival and announced a working fire at this location.

First arriving crews forced entry and began an aggressive interior attack on the fire located in the kitchen area. This well-involved fire on arrival had already breached the roof structure. Fire crews found heavy fire throughout the kitchen and roof areas. Additional off-duty crews were called in to assist.

It took fire crews approximately 25 minutes to knock down the fire and overhaul of the building began. Due to the nature and age of the building there was a significant number of hidden fire throughout of the building. The fire was declared extinguished at 1:46 a.m.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal was requested to assist Sedalia fire investigators on the cause and origin of the fire. Those investigators determined the origin of the fire was in the kitchen area. No cause has been determined at this point and is still under investigation.

The building sustained significant damage in the kitchen and roof directly above the kitchen area. The building also suffered significant smoke, heat, and water damage throughout the facility. Fire crews cleared the scene at 2:38 a.m, with the fire marshal and investigators clearing the scene at 3:59 a.m.

There were no reported injuries.

Sedalia Fire was assisted by: the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, Sedalia Police Department, Pettis County Ambulance, Sedalia Water, power and gas companies and Pettis County Joint Communications.

Sedalia Fire responded with an initial deployment of 11 firefighters with an additional six fire personnel responding to the scene. In total 19 SFD personnel responded.