GEARY COUNTY —Fire caused damage at Munson Prime in Junction City on Thursday afternoon.
Just after 4p.m., firefighters responded to a call at the restaurant 426 Golden Belt Boulevard.
Upon arrival, they encountered smoke hanging near the ceiling. The smoke smelled of burned wood mixed with synthetic materials. The fire was located in a wall adjacent to the rear exit of the structure in the kitchen area.
There was also a four-inch hole in an outside brick facade where flames and smoke were emerging. The back side of the hole was sheet rock. Fire crews exposed the inner wall and removed the burning insulation. A hose line was used to extinguish the flames and embers.
There were no injuries.
The fire was determined to be accidental in nature, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials placed in a brick opening at the rear door, according to Fire Chief Terry Johnson. “Fortunately, the fire was discovered by an employee before it made it to the ceiling,” he said.
The restaurant is closed until repairs can be made and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment can provide an inspection to reopen. It is estimated it will take four days to make needed repairs and inspections.