Kitchen Fire Breaks Out at Nauna’s Bella Casa

A fire broke out at the popular Italian eatery  around 10:30 a.m. today, though no one was injured in the blaze, said Montclair Fire Chief Kevin Allen. 

“The fire is under investigation but it’s nothing suspicious that we can see at this point,” said Allen, who said the fire reached two alarms. Several fire trucks, police cars and emergency vehicles blocked off Valley Road at the intersection.

 “No one was hurt,” Allen confirmed.  “The whole building was evacuated at the time of the fire.”

Several apartments above the restaurant were also evacuated.

“They had a lot of fire in the ceiling [of the restaurant.]  It sounded bad, like there could have been a lot more damage than there was.  But we got here quickly and fortunately had enough people to help,” Allen said. 

There have been several fires in Montclair recently, on , and at the M on Valley Road.  All fires were extinguished quickly with a minimum of property damage and no residents injured. 

“I don’t want to speculate on the cause of this fire,” said Allen.  “It looks like it was accidental.  It could have been electrical.  It’s similar to the one at the Char-Coal Broil.” 

Allen added that Nauna’s Bella Casa, like the Char-Coal Broil, will probably be closed during the course of the investigation, and while repairs are made.

Nauna's Bella Casa is a family-friendly restaurant located on the corner of Valley Road and Van Vleck.  Specializing in pizza, it is a favorite lunch place for Montclair High students during the school year.