A fire in the popular Chinese restaurant “Family” in Prenzlauer Neustadt (B 109) caused a stir in the city on Friday afternoon. “When we arrived, smoke was pouring out of every opening in the building,” said Christian Straßburg, press spokesman for the Prenzlauer fire department, describing the situation. Fortunately, there were no guests in the restaurant at the time. However, they were met by an employee who was initially treated in an ambulance for suspected smoke inhalation and then flown to an emergency clinic by rescue helicopter.
Extinguishing attempt failed
“The fire broke out in the kitchen area. The employee tried to put out the flames with a powder extinguisher, but was unsuccessful,” said Christian Straßburg. Equipped only with breathing apparatus, the firefighters were able to get into the kitchen and put out the fire quite quickly. The flames had not yet spread to the kitchen furniture.
The fire broke out in the restaurant’s kitchen. (Photo: Fire Department)
However, the follow-up work was more difficult. “All the rooms were heavily filled with smoke. We had to ventilate them with complex technical equipment,” said the firefighter.
Concerned about employees
Maehoa Trinh cannot explain how the fire could have broken out in the first place. The restaurant was not yet open for evening service at the time, the manager informed him. Fortunately, one of the six employees was already on site and discovered the fire. On the one hand, Maehoa Trinh is happy that the man managed to get out of the restaurant. On the other hand, he is worried about his health.
A sign in the door indicates that the Chinese restaurant “Family” in Prenzlau must remain closed for the time being after the fire. (Photo: Heiko Schulze)
For the time being, it is not possible to operate a restaurant. The kitchen cannot be used at the moment, says the manager. The smoke from the fire has spread into the dining rooms. The Chinese restaurant is expected to remain closed until the end of September.
