
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 19, 1992                   TAG: 9203190305
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STEPHEN FOSTER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FIRE IN VAT DAMAGES MCDONALD'S

Roanoke County and Vinton fire units responded to a blaze Wednesday night that damaged the McDonald's on Hardy Road.

The fire apparently started in a chicken fillet vat, and damaged the grill area in the restaurant's kitchen, said Vinton Assistant Fire Chief Benny Powell.

No damage estimate was available, but he said the fire was contained easily.

Bob Lewis, the restaurant's owner, said shortening in the vat apparently caught fire about 10:30 p.m. and was put out, but reignited about 11:15.

He speculated that a faulty thermostat may have led to the fire.

Lewis said the restaurant would try to open sometime today. "We've got those bacon, egg and cheese biscuits for 59 cents," he said with a chuckle.

by CNB