Ludington Applebee's Destroyed by Fire

[XLFD]

Terrible news for those who work and regularly eat there, but Ludington Applebee's Restaurant caught fire in the middle of the night and has burnt down.  Firefighters from PM, Ludington and Scottville battled the blaze, but it looks to be a total loss.

 

 

 

 

AMBER TWP. — Firefighters from Pere Marquette and Ludington fire departments were dispatched to Applebee’s restaurant on West U.S. 10-31 just after 4 a.m. for a report of heavy smoke coming from the building. Ludington Fire Chief Jerry Funk was first on scene and confirmed the fire, which

appears to have started in the southeast side of the restaurant’s kitchen.

 

Ariel (Editor's Note:  Aerial, not Courtland) trucks from both departments were set up but flames continued to spread throughout the building. Scottville Fire Department, Life EMS and West Shore Chapter of American Red Cross were also called in.

 

Temperatures hovering just above zero have caused challenges for the firefighters. PM’s ladder truck initially had a frozen valve while ice formed over the back parking lot, making conditions even more dangerous.

Over 50 people work at the restaurant, according to manager Matt Zwiegle. He said he was contacting the restaurant’s owners to find out the next step for the business.

A Michigan State Police fire marshal has been called in to investigate.

http://www.masoncountypress.com/2014/01/03/fire-destroys-applebees-...

[XLFD]

That's probably one and the same event if it happened about two weeks ago.

[XLFD]

Amen, I also know someone that lost a job, and they are going to be hard-pressed getting another in the food service industry at the beginning of January here in Ludington.  Many restaurants cut back on jobs and hours dramatically at this time due to the economic realities.