Fire Closes Hillyard Restaurant

A popular Hillyard restaurant will be closed indefinitely after a kitchen fire Tuesday.

Food being warmed in a microwave at the Bend Restaurant, N2721 Market, became overheated and caused the fire shortly after 11 p.m., Spokane Fire Battalion Chief Joe Stapleton said.

Flames burst from the microwave, burned the plastic exterior and jumped to the stove. The fire also worked its way into the ceiling, he said.

Workers used a fire extinguisher on the flames until crews arrived. The restaurant was evacuated, but the adjoining bar stayed open.

Officials with the Spokane County Health District said the restaurant will not be allowed to reopen until a complete inspection is done after cleanup.