Heavy damage reported after grease fire spreads at Farmer Boys restaurant in Perris

The fire spread from the grill to the kitchen and attic, fire officials said.

Heavy damage reported after grease fire spreads at Farmer Boys restaurant in Perris

A grease fire that broke out Tuesday, March 3, at a Farmer Boys restaurant in Perris turned into a larger blaze, causing major damage and forcing customers to evacuate the building.

Firefighters responded around 1:50 p.m. to the fire at Farmer Boys at 145 Ramona Expressway, Capt. John Clingingsmith Jr. with Cal Fire Riverside County told OnScene, a freelance news organization.

Cook staff initially used a fire extinguisher to put out a grease fire that started on the grill, but didn’t realize it had spread further into the kitchen until it was too late and called emergency responders, Clingingsmith said.

Firefighters evacuated the restaurant and cut holes in the roof to access the blaze, which spread into the attic, as well, Clingingsmith said.

Between the fire and roof, Clingingsmith said there was extensive damage to the building.

No injuries were reported. The fire was contained after about an hour.

Farmer Boys didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the extent of the damages and how long the restaurant may be closed.