An early morning fire in the kitchen area of Bongo Johnny's has left the popular Arenas Road restaurant closed. The fire happened before employees arrived and was reported just before 7 a.m.
Firefighters encountered flames when they arrived. The fire was quickly extinguished but not before causing smoke damage to adjacent businesses.
Robb Wirt, owner of Bongo Johnny's, did not have any information on what caused the fire nor the amount of damage.
Neighboring businesses were airing out any smoke that had seeped through.
Update from Palm Springs Fire Department:
On March 7th, at 06:58 AM, The Palm Springs Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at “Bongo Johnny’s Grill”, located at 214 E. Arenas Road. Arriving units observed heavy smoke emitting from the roof and rear of the structure. Fire personnel were able to contain the fire to the unit of origin with no extension to adjoining units. The fire was located in the kitchen and did not extend into the dining areas. No injuries to civilians or firefighters. Loss estimates are not currently available.
Fire Cause: The point of origin was determined to be in a small nook area off the kitchen which contained a laundry hamper containing linens and oil soaked rags. The fire was caused by the spontaneous combustion of
the oils contained in the rags and spread to the surrounding affected areas. The fire is determined to be accidental.
Mutual Aid: Two mutual aid units were requested for city coverage, one from Cathedral City and one from Riverside County Fire.