Chat ‘N Chew damaged by fire

PHIL CAMPBELL – A local restaurant that has been a staple in the community for more than 50 years suffered extensive damage Thursday night as the result of a fire, officials said.

According to Phil Campbell Fire Chief Mike Rice, the department was dispatched at 10:14 p.m. Thursday to the Chant ‘N Chew restaurant located on Broad Street in downtown Phil Campbell.

Rice said when crews arrived on the scene, thick, black smoke was engulfing from the restaurant making it difficult to pinpoint the origin of the fire.

“When we got there, the smoke was think but what was more dangerous was the heat,” Rice said.

“The whole building was at an extremely high temperature and could have combusted at any time. It really is a miracle the building is still standing.”

But even though the building itself didn’t completely burn, Rice said the damage was extensive.

“Because it got so hot, there was a lot of heat damage where plastics were melted, wood was charred and wiring was melted,” he said.

“There was also a lot of smoke damage.”

Rice, who grew up in Phil Campbell, said it was a sad sight for most of the firemen at the scene who have fond memories of eating at the Chat ‘N Chew.

“This is just a landmark around here,” Rice said.

“It was sad when the restaurant suffered damage from the tornado a few years ago, but they were able to re-open. We hope they’ll be able to come back from this, too.”

Rice said it took about an hour to get the fire under control and crews remained on the scene until 1:30 a.m.

Rice said PCFD was assisted by Blue Springs, Frog Pond, Bear Creek and Russellville fire departments.

No official cause for the fire has been determined, even though it appears the fire started in the office area, Rice said.

The fire remains under investigation.