Long Beach
Fire Department

Shortly after 9 pm last night a fire broke out in the kitchen ventilation system at Hof's Hut Restaurant in Bixby Knolls.  There were patrons eating in the restaurant at the time of the fire.  All occupants were safely escorted outside by restaurant staff.  The initial fire was isolated to the kitchen ventilation system and areas of the structure in close proximity to the ventilation ducts. 

At 1:03 am, a passerby called 911 reporting visible flames coming from the roof of the same restaurant.  First arriving units confirmed reports of fire and initiated an aggressive fire attack.  Shortly thereafter, a 2nd alarm assignment requested to provide additional manpower and resources to limit the spread of fire.  Fire suppression operations continued for approximately 1 hour.  One firefighter was injured and transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries. 

Long Beach Fire Investigators were requested to determine cause and origin of the fire.  Damage to the restaurant was extensive with noted structural compromise.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.