Kai’s Chinese Kitchen at 145 Route 22 in Pawling has been closed since a fire broke out around 3:15 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, leaving the restaurant with significant smoke and water damage, as previously reported by Daily Voice.
On the morning of the fire, Pawling firefighters were initially dispatched to the restaurant for an automatic fire alarm. Within minutes, heat detectors activated and the building’s sprinkler system began flowing.
Arriving firefighters found smoke coming from the building, forced their way inside, and attacked the blaze. Pawling Fire Chief Everett White said the sprinkler system helped keep the flames confined to the room where the fire began, preventing them from spreading throughout the restaurant.
The fire was declared under control by 3:40 a.m., though the restaurant was left with significant smoke and water damage.
Now, the family that operates the restaurant is seeking the community’s help as it works toward reopening. Their daughter, Nickole Li, has started a GoFundMe fundraiser to collect donations that will go toward repairs and other expenses.
Li, a Pawling High School student, said the restaurant is her family’s business and described herself as the “little girl who answers your phone calls to take your order.”
Although nobody was injured in the blaze, Li confirmed the restaurant suffered extensive damage and that the family’s business is underinsured.
Since the fire, the family has been left without income from the restaurant while still facing rent, electricity, household expenses, and other bills, according to Li.
Money raised will help pay for repairs needed to get Kai’s Chinese Kitchen back in business while also helping the family with household and education expenses during the closure, Li said.
Li said her family hopes to repair the business and once again serve the community that has supported it.
“Thank you for keeping my family in your thoughts and helping us take the next steps to get back on our feet again, so that we can continue to share our food and serve Pawling again like we have before,” Li wrote.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 19, the page had raised $3,201 out of a $6,500 goal. Those interested in donating can click here to do so.
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Dining and Cooking