breaking: Helen's Restaurant (Machias) BURNED DOWN

[eShirl]

http://wabi.tv/2014/07/11/helens-restaurant-machias-fire/

Helen’s Restaurant in Machias on Fire

Joy Hollowell

Posted Friday, July 11th, 2014 at 3:41 am.

Updated 18 mins ago

By Joy Hollowell

Fire crews from five towns are still fighting a blaze at a restaurant in Machias.

The first call of fire at Helen’s Restaurant on Main Street came in around 1:45 a.m.

According to their Facebook page, no one was inside at the time.

The roof of the restaurant has caved in, and the building is almost completely flat.

Crews are still working on putting out the flames and any remaining hot spots.

No word yet on what started the fire, or in what part of the restaurant it began.

Helen’s has been open since 1950. In recent years, the Main Street eatery became known world-wide for its blueberry pie.

[shenmue]

1. :(

[eShirl]

3. I know :(

[eShirl]

2. nothing on their own webpage yet

http://www.helensrestaurantmachias.com/

[pipoman]

4. Likely an exhaust hood fire...

Almost always the culprit in restaurant fires, especially if the roof was the first thing to go. Grease buildup over years finally ignites and it can't be easily put out, especially with water. I spend around $800 every 3 months for professional hood cleaners to come in. They degrease from the bottom up, and the top down with pressure washers. Many....probably most restaurants only clean their hood filters periodically leaving the buildup in the hood venting. I have often thought that restaurant insurers should require thorough and regular cleaning with periodic inspection or submission of cleaning invoices.

Too bad about the restaurant. ..

[icnorth]

5. Helen's Restaurant, Machias

Damn...Helen's was a must stop for a bunch of guys from the Maritimes on their annual pilgrimage to Fenway.