Fire At TGI Fridays In West Orange; Restaurant Closed

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A TGI Fridays on Prospect Avenue in West Orange has been closed “until further notice” after a fire, authorities said.

A fire captain is being evaluated for an arm injury, but no other injuries were reported, authorities said. In addition to fire personnel, township construction and health officials were at the scene on Monday.

A West Orange township spokesperson provided Patch with a statement about the fire:

“The WOFD responded to TGI Fridays (495 Prospect Avenue) at 10:54 a.m. today on a fire alarm activation. On arrival, staff initially reported a rag had caught fire. Upon further investigation, crews found additional smoke in the kitchen suppression duct work and the sprinkler system was activated.”

Here's what happened next, he said:

“Working in coordination with the ladder company on the roof, fire was found above the kitchen ceiling and had spread to the structure. The fire was extinguished with overhaul performed and placed under control within an hour. Mutual aid from Orange was on scene and other mutual aid companies covered the town from headquarters. All occupants had been evacuated from the restaurant upon arrival and an additional search proved negative. No injuries were reported by civilians or WOFD personnel.”

Investigators are probing the cause and origin of the fire. The restaurant will remain closed until further notice, authorities said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch West Orange Facebook page.