breaking: Helen's Restaurant (Machias) BURNED DOWN

[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. ..