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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Longtime Albany staple BJ’s Country Buffet faces extensive repairs after a sudden, fast-moving fire erupted from the ceiling just moments after closing, according to owner BJ. No injuries were reported.
The fire broke out around 6:05 p.m. at the restaurant on Dawson Road, right after workers locked the exit doors and began their nightly breakdown.
“We had literally just closed the exit doors,” BJ said. “We were breaking down. We closed at 6, and one of the ladies said, ‘Do you smell something?’ And I said, ‘No.’ … We pulled all the wells, and it was less than 30 seconds later. Fire started coming, just falling from the ceiling. Tiles started coming.”
All staff members and the last remaining customers evacuated safely through the building’s four exits. No firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
Investigators have not yet determined the official cause. While the kitchen runs gas frying equipment under a hood vent, BJ noted the fire originated about 30 feet away from that area. Fire crews deployed large yellow ventilation hoses to knock down the flames and vent heavy smoke.
City inspectors, the health department, and insurance adjusters are expected on site next week to inspect the structure and evaluate the damage, which BJ said will keep the restaurant closed for a while.
The fire comes as BJ’s Country Buffet marks its 25th anniversary in Albany.
“Thank you for the 25 years,” BJ said. “We’re pretty tough. If it’s God’s will, we’ll be back. But always keep staff in prayer, because these people live paycheck to paycheck. … My folks are fine. It’s material things. My people are alive and happy, and that’s my main concern.”
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Dining and Cooking