No Evidence Of Explosion At Sam's Chowder House In Palo Alto

Fire crews were unable to find evidence of an explosion reported at a downtown Palo Alto restaurant this morning, a fire official said.

Around 9:50 a.m., fire crews responded to a report of an explosion heard at Sam’s Chowder House at 185 University Ave. at Emerson Street, fire Battalion Chief Chris Woodard said.

A person called 911 after hearing an explosion and seeing smoke from the restaurant’s basement, Woodard said.

• Previous: Possible Explosion Reported In Palo Alto

Crews arrived within minutes and cleared the employees from the restaurant, while police aassisted firefighters in evacuating the adjacent Palo Alto Bicycles and other businesses in the block, Woodard said.

City utility crews were called to the scene to shut down gas service to the business. Firefighters made their way to the basement but did not find smoke, haze or any damage, according to Woodard. No injuries were reported.

Around 10:30 a.m., the evacuation order was lifted and fire crews cleared the scene.

Employees at Sam’s Chowder House had been preparing for the day prior to the reported explosion and were able to conduct business as usual today, Woodard said.

--Bay City News