March 11--A fire broke out at an Odessa business Tuesday morning.
Employees at La Bodega Quick Stop, 3905 FM 1936, reported a fire at about 10:40 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported.
Odessa Fire and Rescue Battalion Captain Joey White said the fire was caused by a grease buildup in the stove.
"There was grease buildup above and behind the stove," White said. "It needs to be cleaned regularly."
Odessa Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Kavin Tinney said the fire went over the Vent-A-Hood of the stove, creating more smoke and flames.
Two truck engines, one tanker, one ambulance, one battalion and 13 firefighters responded to the scene.
Ryan de la Cruz, 64, said the fire started when a worker poured water on the grease, creating flames that went up to the roof. The business was cooking breakfast for customers before the fire ensued and the sprinklers came on.
"Everyone ran out," de la Cruz said, adding there were about seven people when the fire started. "They got scared."
Luz Maria Estrella, 34, wife of the business owner, said she was called when the fire broke out and didn't know how long it would take for the corner store to fix the damage.
"I got scared when I got the call, but we have to keep going," Estrella said. "Accidents happen."
Contact Audris Ponce at 432-333-7782
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