Historic Union Oyster House Closed Friday Following Fire

BOSTON, MA – The oldest restaurant in Boston was evacuated during dinner Thursday night after a fire was reported in the building. Crews responded to Union Oyster House around 8:30 p.m., and employees and customers were evacuated.

The fire was quickly knocked down, though reports say the building's historical significance may have made it more difficult to extinguish. The restaurant is closed Friday.

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Calobrisi told CBS Boston it was difficult to clear smoke from the building due to a lack of windows. Firefighters did not want to break any windows because they were not sure if they could replace them, Calobrisi told the network.

No injuries were reported.

Built in 1826, Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and oldest restaurant in continuous service in the country, according to its website.

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons