A kitchen fire at San Martin Cafe caused only smoke damage, but
it was enough to close the restaurant during its new dinner hours
Friday night.
A kitchen fire at San Martin Cafe caused only smoke damage, but it was enough to close the restaurant during its new dinner hours Friday night.
South Santa Clara County Fire Department was dispatched to a call for a fire at the restaurant at 13475 Monterey Road about 4:45 p.m. Friday.
San Martin Cafe owner Galo Biondi said he turned on the gas stove in the kitchen toward the back of the restaurant. Moments later he watched as flames started shooting out of what appeared to be a broken pipe connected to the stove, and he immediately called 911.
Biondi, his mother and the cafe’s employees gathered outside the restaurant, still watching fire crews clean up the scene and ensure the fire was completely out after 5 p.m.
Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the flames, which did not extend into the building’s attic and caused minor smoke damage, according to South County Fire Battalion Chief Darrell Wolf.
Four engines as well as Sheriff’s Office deputies were at the scene. Traffic was stopped on both sides of Monterey Road in front of the restaurant.
