Fire at Western Sizzlin in Oxford Causes Temporary Closure

Yahoo

18-02-2025

OXFORD — Crews were at Western Sizzlin in Oxford on Monday cleaning up after a fire that broke out in the kitchen Sunday night, leaving the popular restaurant with smoke and water damage.
The fire, which started in the kitchen, did not destroy the building, but caused enough damage to force its temporary closure. A sign on the door informed customers that the restaurant, located at 200 Hamric Dr E, was closed due to the fire.
Owner Kenneth Phillips said workers are busy removing water from the restaurant and assessing damage.
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A kitchen fire caused smoke and water damage at the Oxford Western Sizzlin Sunday night. Photo by Bill Wilson, The Anniston Star
"We appreciate everyone's prayers and thoughts," Phillips said. He added that the restaurant may remain closed for up to a week depending on the city of Oxford's requirements and the extent of damage to the ceiling and roof. Customers were encouraged to check the restaurant's Facebook page for updates.
Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sparks said the fire department received the call at 11:08 p.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke coming from the building.
"There were flames coming out the top of the building. There was a fire in the kitchen. It went up through the vent and was the fire we were seeing through the roof," Sparks said.
"It wasn't actually burning through the roof. It was up through the vent pipes, and so as far as fire damage, there's not a lot of fire damage. There's a lot of smoke damage. The whole building was full of smoke," he said.
Sparks noted that there was also some water damage and damage to the hood system in the kitchen. The fire was quickly brought under control.
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A kitchen fire caused smoke and water damage at the Oxford Western Sizzlin Sunday night. Photo by Bill Wilson, The Anniston Star
"We were on scene for probably an hour or better, but most of it was getting the smoke out. Smoke was the biggest problem," Sparks said.
Officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire, and restoration efforts are ongoing.