Post #735513 by tikilongbeach on Mon, Jan 19, 2015 10:38 AM

Bad news from the Long Beach Press Telegram.

Fire at Hof’s Hut in Bixby Knolls Monday morning being investigated as arson

LONG BEACH - Fires broke out at a popular Long Beach restaurant today for the second straight day, causing major damage to the eatery and also resulting in a firefighter suffering minor injuries, authorities said.

The cause of the fires is still under investigation. Arson investigators are working to figure out whether the second fire was simply the result of a rekindling of the initial blaze or whether some other factor is to blame.

“We’re not sure of the cause of the fire. There’s extensive damage at Hof’s Hut,” Fire Department spokesman Brian Fisk said. “Any time you have a fire at the same location, a second alarm, it’s going to be investigated by the arson unit.”

The two fires occurred at Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery at 4251 Long Beach Boulevard in Bixby Knolls, said Fisk said

Firefighters were sent to the restaurant at 9:11 p.m. Sunday in response to a fire in the duct system and extinguished it at 9:25 p.m., Fisk said.

At 1:03 a.m. today, a passerby reported “fire through the roof,” Fisk said. A second-alarm was called at 1:42 a.m. so more firefighters could be deployed. The flames were out around 3:30 a.m.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment, Fisk said. An arson investigator was called to the scene.

This morning, Fisk said arson investigators were being aided by Long Beach building officials who have been called upon to make sure the building is safe for entry.

Hof’s Hut started with a Belmont Shore hot dog and burger stand in the 1940s.

More to come.

-Lori

[ Edited by: tikilongbeach 2015-01-19 10:41 ]