Oak Ridge firefighters check for “hot spots” on the roof after responding to a fire alarm at the Magic Wok restaurant on Tyler Road on Thursday night.
The Magic Wok restaurant could be closed a few days after food was left cooking on a stove unattended Thursday night, causing minor damage to the building, mostly smoke damage, Oak Ridge Assistant Fire Chief Josh Waldo said.
The Oak Ridge Fire Department responded to a possible fire call at the popular restaurant on Tyler Road at 10:46 p.m. Thursday. Firefighters didn’t see any flames, but they found smoke and high temperatures.
They used water cannons—fire extinguishers filled with water—to cool the restaurant’s interior. They also checked the roof for hot spots, including by cutting a corner of the roof.
Firefighters stayed at the scene for about two hours and ensured the temperature of building materials dropped below 80 degrees and there was no more smoke, a fire report said.
Waldo said 15 firefighters responded, and no one was injured. Damage was estimated at about $7,000 to property and contents.
Waldo said the Magic Wok, which is owned by Betty and Jim Wong, will be closed for minor repairs and general cleanup, and the restaurant will have to be re-inspected by code enforcement officers and health department inspectors before it can re-open.
Angi Agle says
Oh no! We were planning to eat supper there tonight; it’s our good luck charm for football games. I hope that Betty and Jim are able to re-open soon.
John Huotari says
Let’s hope your inability to eat there tonight doesn’t jinx the game. 🙂
BobStephenson says
Hope that Mrs Betty isn’t out of commission for too long. Can’t beat the Chicken Cashew ! (Why I am always posting about food ?)
John Huotari says
Maybe you should be a restaurant reviewer. 🙂
Jason Allison says
I can’t say it enough. We need continued support for our well established businesses. These folks will need a little extra help so they can come back stronger than ever!
Lee Roy Gilliam says
I went and ate early at the Riverside Grille since they have Handicapped Parking since the Magic Wok has never had Handicapped Parking —–surely not in Oak Ridge
Mike Williams 224 says
Is this your idea of staying on topic Lee Roy ?? A lot of us love the Magic Wok and Mrs. Betty. It is a fixture here in town and when it opens I will be back.
Yum Yum says
Oh no! This is my favorite restaurant in Oak Ridge. I have been eating there for nearly 20 years now. Show your support for Mrs. Betty!
Anna Jane Markinson says
Lee Roy- you are really becoming annoying with the handicapped parking issue.
Lee Roy Gilliam says
For years I have had people brush me to one side and theuir inability to make things accessible for everyone—-at least that’s what the US Supreme court says.
But yet discrimination happens all the time — Even the Oak Ridge Schools viiolate State and Federal laws. I did not make the laws I just talk about them.
John Huotari—- Angi Agle•7 hours ago
Let’s hope your inability to eat there tonight doesn’t jinx the game. 🙂
Jphn, I have seen disabbled with more can do it —-I remember this friend of mine named lonny. He walked by crawling on his elbows- he weighed less than 100 lbs— he deceased now.
But if Oak Ridge can muster the guts they can win but toughness comes comes by lifting others out of the gutter.