Carl's Jr. Fire Causes $200K Damage: Santa Rosa PD

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A fire believed to have started in a kitchen exhaust system caused an estimated $200,000 in damage Friday night at a Carl's Jr. restaurant in Santa Rosa, according to the Santa Rosa Fire Department.

The fire was reported at about 9:54 p.m. at the restaurant located at 1000 Farmers Lane. The dining room was closed at the time, but the drive-through remained open, fire officials said.

An ambulance traveling through the area spotted flames coming from the restaurant's roof and alerted employees inside before firefighters arrived.

Fire crews found an active fire burning in the attic and concealed spaces above the kitchen and worked to stop the flames from spreading further.

No injuries were reported.

The incident also marked the operational debut of the Santa Rosa Fire Department's newly staffed Heavy Rescue Company, a specialized unit trained and equipped for complex rescue operations.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though officials said it is believed to have originated in the kitchen exhaust system.