Fire Scorches Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA--A Fire at a Newport Beach restaurant was caught on Twitter by Veronica Culver last night. Newport Beach Fire Department released that heavy smoke was coming from the roof of the Bayside Restaurant at just about 10:30 p.m. July 14.

"Firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames from the restaurant roof," NBFD Chief Jeff Boyles said. "Patrons evacuated prior to the arrival of the firefighters."

21 firefighters from Newport Beach Fire Department and Costa Mesa Fire Department responded.

Firefighters made access to the roof while others entered the restaurant.

"Firefighters inside the restaurant ensured all had been evacuated," Boyles said. "Then, they began operations to locate and extinguish the fire."

Firefighters on the roof cut openings with chainsaws to identify the exact location of the fire, inside an enclosed mechanical loft area above the restaurant bathrooms.

The fire was confined to that area, that housed air handling machinery and electrical equipment, according to Boyles report.

"The restaurant's interior sustained only minor smoke and water damage," he said. "After the fire was extinguished, firefighters were able to isolate damaged electrical wiring and reestablish power to essential refrigeration equipment and prevent the spoilage of the perishable food inventory."

Estimates on the damage to the $1 million dollar building were reported in the $50,000 range for the structure. The contents suffered no major damage.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury, and was treated and released at a local hospital.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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