A small fire broke out early this morning at Hosler’s Family Restaurant & Bar in Malone, New York, but fast action from staff and local law enforcement kept the damage to a minimum.
The restaurant announced on Facebook that it will be closed for the day while repairs are made, with plans to reopen tomorrow at 6:00 a.m.
How the Fire Started
According to the restaurant’s own account, the fire began shortly after the morning cook arrived and started his usual routine. One of the small fryers in the kitchen caught fire during that process. Kitchen fires involving fryers can spread quickly if not addressed right away, since grease and oil are highly flammable, but in this case the situation was handled before it could grow into something more serious.
Quick Response Prevents Bigger Disaster
The restaurant credited Mike Marritt, a staff member, along with New York State Police, who happened to arrive on the scene quickly, for containing the flames. The suppression system built into the kitchen was activated, and that step kept the fire limited to the fryer itself rather than allowing it to spread further into the building.
Community members who commented on the post echoed relief that the outcome was not worse. Several people mentioned hearing sirens and seeing multiple agencies responding early in the morning, which points to a coordinated mutual aid effort among local departments.
Community and First Responders Praised
In its post, Hosler’s extended thanks to the New York State Police, the Malone Village Police Department, and the Malone Fire Department for their swift response and continued service to the community. The restaurant’s ownership, including Mike Hosler, received messages of support from regulars and neighbors following the incident.
Comments on the post reflected a strong sense of relief and gratitude, with many people noting that no one was injured and that the damage appeared to be limited. One commenter joked about the timing, since the fire happened on the restaurant’s popular chicken and biscuit day, while still expressing thankfulness that things were not more serious.
Restaurant to Reopen Tomorrow
Hosler’s said it needs the day to get its suppression system refilled and repaired before resuming normal operations. The restaurant plans to reopen its doors at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, keeping its regular hours moving forward. For a local spot that has built a loyal following in Malone, the quick turnaround is good news for both staff and customers who rely on the restaurant as part of their daily routine.
The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly kitchen fires can start, even during routine morning preparation, and how important suppression systems and fast responses are in limiting damage. Thanks to the actions taken this morning, Hosler’s Family Restaurant & Bar avoided what could have been a much more damaging situation, and the local community responded with widespread support and appreciation for everyone involved.
