Fire That Destroys Cranston Applebee's Caused By Cleaning Mishap

CRANSTON, RI — The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal released the cause of a fire that destroyed the Applebee's at the Garden City Center in Cranston two months ago.

Investigators determined the fire's cause was accidental in a report released Wednesday. According to the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal, the fire was caused by a leaking gas line, which started when a grill was disconnected from the line, so workers could clean behind it. The gas ignited, because a pilot burner was left on, while employees were conducting a deep cleaning in the kitchen overnight.

Cranston fire officials said they were able to contain the fire so it didn't destroy nearby buildings, but that the Applebee's was a "total loss."

An Applebee's spokesperson told WJAR 10 the restaurant is planning to reopen.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.