Two-Alarm Fire Starts In Broiler, Damages Madison Burger King: Officials

MADISON, NJ — No injuries were reported after a two-alarm fire at a Burger King in Madison on Tuesday, which officials say spread from the fast food restaurant's broiler.

Borough officials said an employee at Burger King (317 Main Street) called 9-1-1 at around 5:15 p.m. to report a fire in the kitchen, and a second 9-1-1 caller reported it was visible from the roof.

Madison Fire and EMS responded within minutes and called for mutual aid, and Chatham Borough, Florham Park, and Morristown Fire Departments arrived on scene to help control the blaze. Paramedics from Chatham and Florham Park also responded to provide support, officials said.

The fire spread from the restaurant's broiler to the roof, with firefighters able to contain the flames to the kitchen and part of the roof directly above it. Officials said the broiler area, broiler venting system, and roof of the sustained extensive damage, and there was heavy smoke damage inside the restaurant.

There were no reported injuries, said borough officials. Staff from the Westfield Health Department (which serves Madison) were on scene to assess the damage, along with the restaurant owner and company representatives.

Madison Police and EMS helped control traffic flow and make sure the scene was safe, officials added. And while borough firefighters were focused on the Burger King fire, the Chatham Township, East Hanover, and Morris Township Fire Departments covered other incidents in the borough and surrounding areas.

The restaurant will remain closed until the Madison Construction Code Official and the Health Department deem it is safe, officials said. The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

In a statement, Mayor Robert H. Conley expressed his gratitude to Madison firefighters and all the other agencies who responded to the second alarm for "their swift and courageous response."

"Your professionalism and dedication ensured the safety of those in and around the building, resulting in minimized damage," Conley said, also thanking borough police and EMS.

"Thank you all for your exemplary service," he said.