'A landmark gone': Fire destroys Waterford's Fork N' Pint restaurant
Waterford landmark Fork n' Pint suffers massive early morning fire
Crews worked to contain the hot spots — and begin the investigation of a possible cause. No major injuries were reported, but a firefighter did hurt their hand.
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) - A fire gutted Fork n' Pint in Waterford Township on Thursday morning.
The fire was reported at the restaurant before 6 a.m. At 7 a.m., flames were shooting out of the roof, while smoke was billowing out of the building. Fire crews have been attacking the flames from above because it was too dangerous to go inside.
"Our crew arrived in four minutes to find fire through the roof," Waterford Fire Chief Matthew Nye said.
Nye said firefighters initially went inside, but had to fight the flames from the outside because the building was collapsing.
"They were met with heavy flames and a collapsing structure," he said. "They tried doing an aggressive interior attack and they were met with a collapsing structure and they had to move back and go into a defensive mode."
The building was deemed a total loss.
"This has been a Waterford landmark for a long time," said Campbell, who lives near the restaurant. "It's a landmark gone."
Crews worked to contain the hot spots — and begin the investigation of a possible cause. No major injuries were reported, but a firefighter did hurt their hand.
"It was engulfing right in front of our window," said Kelsey Pitman. "There was ember falling into the trees, It was wild.
"It scared me. I turned everything off and blocked the door underneath. I woke my boyfriend up, the baby never woke up thank God but it was scary."
Many in the community have fond memories of Fork n' Pint. The restaurant - a longtime landmark in the community - had a history of helping others through tough times.
It offered its freezer space for residents through power outages — and hot holiday meals to go during the pandemic.
"The memories of just family, friends, my mom, my son having lunch here," Campbell said. "Great food, family, friends. It’s a historic place in Waterford and it’s sad that it’s not going to be here anymore."
FOX 2 contacted the owner for comment, but he was focused on taking care of his staff.
Stay with FOX 2 for updates on this breaking story.
The Source: FOX 2 interviewed the Waterford fire chief and a neighbor for this story.