ROCKVILLE, MD — Several patrons and workers were evacuated late Wednesday after a grease fire broke out at the KPOT Korean & Hot Pot restaurant in Rockville.
The restaurant is located at 5550 Randolph Road in the Montrose Shopping Center, near the intersection of Randolph Road and Nebel Street.
Pete Piringer, a spokesperson with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, said more than 75 firefighters responded to the scene after calls came in around 9:30 p.m.
The grease fire started in the first-floor dining area after igniting in the exhaust vent of a tableside hot pot grill. It later spread to the building's second floor through the ductwork, according to Piringer.
No injuries were reported, and all patrons and workers were safely evacuated.
Early estimates released by officials indicate the fire caused upwards of $500,000 in damage.
Both code and health inspectors responded to the scene.
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