Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

eShirl

(18,763 posts)
Fri Jul 11, 2014, 06:42 AM Jul 2014

breaking: Helen's Restaurant (Machias) BURNED DOWN

http://wabi.tv/2014/07/11/helens-restaurant-machias-fire/


Helen’s Restaurant in Machias on Fire

Joy Hollowell

Posted Friday, July 11th, 2014 at 3:41 am.

Updated 18 mins ago

By Joy Hollowell

Fire crews from five towns are still fighting a blaze at a restaurant in Machias.

The first call of fire at Helen’s Restaurant on Main Street came in around 1:45 a.m.

According to their Facebook page, no one was inside at the time.

The roof of the restaurant has caved in, and the building is almost completely flat.

Crews are still working on putting out the flames and any remaining hot spots.

No word yet on what started the fire, or in what part of the restaurant it began.

Helen’s has been open since 1950. In recent years, the Main Street eatery became known world-wide for its blueberry pie.
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
breaking: Helen's Restaurant (Machias) BURNED DOWN (Original Post) eShirl Jul 2014 OP
:( shenmue Jul 2014 #1
I know :( eShirl Jul 2014 #3
nothing on their own webpage yet eShirl Jul 2014 #2
Likely an exhaust hood fire... pipoman Jul 2014 #4
Helen's Restaurant, Machias icnorth Jul 2014 #5
 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
4. Likely an exhaust hood fire...
Fri Jul 11, 2014, 07:32 AM
Jul 2014

Almost always the culprit in restaurant fires, especially if the roof was the first thing to go. Grease buildup over years finally ignites and it can't be easily put out, especially with water. I spend around $800 every 3 months for professional hood cleaners to come in. They degrease from the bottom up, and the top down with pressure washers. Many....probably most restaurants only clean their hood filters periodically leaving the buildup in the hood venting. I have often thought that restaurant insurers should require thorough and regular cleaning with periodic inspection or submission of cleaning invoices.

Too bad about the restaurant. ..

icnorth

(1,026 posts)
5. Helen's Restaurant, Machias
Fri Jul 11, 2014, 07:35 AM
Jul 2014

Damn...Helen's was a must stop for a bunch of guys from the Maritimes on their annual pilgrimage to Fenway.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Maine»breaking: Helen's Restaur...