Richmond Fire and Emergency Services responded to the fire at 11:38. Twenty minutes, 21 firefighters and seven firetrucks later, the blaze was extinguished. The fire started in an overheated wall behind a small appliance but extended to the wall and ceiling, said Lt. Shawn Jones of the fire department. He called the fire accidental.
Employees and a few customers evacuated the building safely and watched the scene from across the street, behind the yellow caution tape. Police cars and fire trucks closed down Strawberry Street between Park and Stuart streets for about two hours while the damage was inspected.
Only a few onlookers ventured by, but across the alley from 8 1/2, employees of The Video Fan said their business was open and uninterrupted (aside from the dozens of firefighters and health inspectors milling around outside their front door).
Jones says the damage appears to be moderate. The restaurant will have to wait until city health inspectors approves its repairs before reopening.
A sister to Mamma ‘Zu and Edo’s Squid, 8 1/2 is known for mouthwatering Italian carryout fare that includes pizzas, pasta, soups, sandwiches and desserts. When reached for comment, owner Ed Vasaio said he hadn't heard about the fire yet. "I should get off the phone and find out about that."
Here's hoping 8 1/2 is back up and running soon.
