A kitchen fire broke out at the Lexington Park IHOP restaurant shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday, bringing firefighters from Bay District VFD and Paxtuent Naval Air Station.
As trucks responded, witnesses reported seeing heavy smoke coming from the roof. Firefighters evacuated the building and used thermal imaging equipment to locate the fire isolated within a cooking apparatus. The flames were quickly doused after firefighters pried into the equipment.
The restaurant, which is normally a 24-hour operation, has been closed since the fire, and county health officials were notified of the clean up operation underway due to smoke and water damage. On Wednesday afternoon several SERVPRO trucks were visible in the parking lot.
The eatery is reportedly expected to reopen by this weekend.
The Bay Net welcomes any additional information.
See slideshow below for images from the scene.