Officials: Caldwell Diner Fire Began in Kitchen

Fire officials have officially deemed a weekend fire that has closed the Caldwell Diner an accident that began in the kitchen before spreading throughout the one-story building.

According to a report released Wednesday by Caldwell Fire Chief Tony Grenci, Lt. Gerald Grenci, Caldwell fire investigator James Alvine, members of the Division of Fire Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and ATF have determined the fire was accidental.

However, the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation, the chief said.

The structure of the building has been deemed unsafe for occupancy and the owners plan to serve breakfast and lunch at their other nearby restaurant, Taximi, starting Friday at 7 a.m.

The fire, which caused significant damage to the diner's ceiling and roof, began Saturday morning at about 3:20 a.m.

After being notified of the fire emanating from the diner's roof, Grenci requested a West Caldwell ladder truck, an engine from Essex Fells, PSE&G, the Cedar Grove Fire Department's rapid intervention team and the West Essex First Aid Squad.

When Grenci arrived at the scene at 332 Bloomfield Ave., he observed heavy flames coming out of the east side of the diner, immediately adjacent to Anne Filkin Lamps & Shades. However, Caldwell firefighters successfully protected the exposure and contained the fire to the diner.

West Caldwell firefighters assisted and set up roof operations for ventilations and the department's rescue truck provided lighting to the front of the building, according to the release.

The Essex County fire coordinator, Division of Fire Safety, Essex County Prosecutor's Office, ATF and the health and building departments were all notified and responded to the scene.

The North Caldwell, Essex Fells and Roseland fire departments provided coverage at the Caldwell Fire Department. An Essex Fells engine and a Roseland ladder truck responded to a fire alarm at Caldwell College's Hawthorne House at about 5:40 a.m., according to the report.

After the diner fire was deemed under control at about 8 a.m., mutual aid and outside agencies were released at about 9 a.m., and the building was turned over to its owners at about 10:30 a.m.

"It was an outstanding effort by everybody that got called into service that night," Grenci said. "The firefighters, the first aid squad—everyone involved did an outstanding job that night."