A deep fryer is suspected to have caused a fire that evacuated an El Cajon fast food restaurant Sunday morning.
The fire broke out just after 10 a.m. inside the Wendy's at 871 Broadway, and Heartland Fire responded to douse the flames, according to officials.
Fire fighters said smoke was seen billowing from the back of the building when they arrived. Once inside, they discovered a deep fat fryer had caught fire. They said the employees turned the fryer on and immediately noticed smoke near the oil. They opened the panel to troubleshoot and an active fire started, fire officials said.
Employees tried to put out the flames with dry-chem fire extinguishers, but were unsuccessful, according to officials. The entire restaurant was evacuated awaiting fire crews.
Once crews arrived, they activated the fixed fire suppression system and were able to put out the flames.
Investigators said fryer fires happen, but are uncommon. They said these types of fires can be "catastrophic" because of the hot oils. Luckily, that was not the case for this fire.
The fryer was sitting outside the restaurant still smoking after the fire was put out. Officials said the extent of the structural damage was not immediately clear.
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One person was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation, but no one needed to be taken to a hospital.
Officials said the restaurant will stay closed for at least the rest of Sunday for clean up. The health inspector will investigate to ensure the kitchen and food is cleared of any hazards.
