-
Photo • Joe Davenport Little was spared in the aftermath of a fire apparently caused by a propane line that exploded, according to restaurant owners.
By Becky Long
Publisher
Hayesville Grill will likely be closed for several months after the restaurant suffered extensive damage from a fire on Thursday, Sept. 14.
The fire occurred between 1- 2 p.m. just after the lunch hour rush. Sheriff Mark Buchanan was eating a late lunch with attorney David Wijewickrama when he heard a strange noise.
“Only a few customers were inside, probably because of how late it was,”Buchanan said. “We were sitting at the first table on the right near the door. I was facing the parking lot with my back to the kitchen. We had just finished eating when I heard a loud thud which was most likely a confined pocket of liquid propane igniting.”
Buchanan said he heard a brief commotion in the kitchen. “After a few seconds, Maria yelled for everyone to get out,” he said. “I could also hear a sound like a blowing of vapor coming from the direction of the kitchen. As we were leaving and for several minutes afterward, I saw no smoke or flames.”
Buchanan said his main concern was the threat of a secondary explosion. He reported the fire and gas leak to 911 Dispatch and firefighters and First Responders began arriving. Highway 69 was closed for a period of time. Shortly after the firefighters efforts began, the fire was extinguished, according to the sheriff.
No one was injured during the incident which was caused by a propane line exploding behind a stove, according to Maria Bustamante who owns the restaurant with her husband, Domingo.
“Everybody thankfully got out safe,” Maria said.
Like many of her customers, Maria is anxious for the restaurant to reopen. “We want to open as soon as possible, hopefully within two months,” she said.
Damages were severe to the interior of the restaurant including the kitchen, tables, chairs, etc. The couple did not have insurance that covered their equipment. To help the restaurant, a Go Fund me page has been set up on Facebook at: http://spot.fund/8k9xwsc.
“We want to thank everybody who has donated and is helping us out,” said Maria.
“We wish Maria the very best in bringing her wonderful little restaurant back to the business it was before this awful day,” Buchanan said. “She has always been such a sweet lady and a pleasure to do business with.”