Kitchen fire at Gustavs in Leavenworth sends one to hospital, causes minor damage

A kitchen fire erupted at Gustav’s restaurant in Leavenworth on Monday evening, caused by a gas leak that ignited due to the grill's pilot light. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, which were exacerbated by cooking oil stored below the grill, responding within five minutes of the alarm. One person sustained burns and was taken to Central Washington Hospital. Fire Chief Mike Smith advised that if a fire cannot be controlled, evacuation is crucial. He reminded the public that fire extinguishers are only effective in the fire's early stages.

The restaurant, owned by Karl and Pam Schiersch since 1981, previously suffered a devastating fire in the 1990s, leading to its reconstruction. Smith's warning reflects a broader safety message about the risks of attempting to extinguish larger fires. The small fire, while quickly contained, serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety in local establishments.