Kitchen fire closes Braai House

Braai House remains closed after a kitchen fire last week.

By: Amanda Nelson

A kitchen fire at Braai House, located on the upper level of 34 Brunswick St., forced customers to leave mid-service Thursday evening as smoke spread through the upper level of the building.

In a social media post, manager Jessie Votary confirmed the fire affected both Braai House and the downstairs business, Keystone Alley.

“It’s true, friends, Braai House had a fire tonight that has affected both upstairs and downstairs at Keystone Alley,” Votary wrote.

The post said all reservations for the weekend had been cancelled and customers would be contacted once a plan was in place.

Stratford Fire Department director of fire prevention Andrew Rogerson said firefighters received multiple 911 calls reporting smoke in the building and responded promptly.

Upon entering the building, firefighters found a working fire in the restaurant’s kitchen.

“There was an evacuation in place at the time of our arrival, and we did come across a working fire in the kitchen of the restaurant,” Rogerson said. “We received the call shortly after 6:40 p.m., and the fire was under control by 7:23 p.m.”

Damage estimates were not immediately available, but Rogerson said firefighters used water to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Rogerson said there is no indication the fire was suspicious.

“Everyone was evacuated safely, and the Stratford Fire Department responded with amazing efficiency,” Votary wrote. “We are hoping for the best and will update very soon.”

Since then, Braai House remains closed, though Keystone Alley re-opened for service and is taking reservations once again, as of press time. Representatives for the two restaurants posted their thanks to the community in a post on their Facebook page.

“Thanks to everyone who has reached out to us since the fire,” the post read. “We can’t tell you how much it means to be a part of this community, and it truly means so much to feel the outpouring of love. We are still closed upstairs, but your support at our sister restaurant (Keystone Alley) on the main floor is much appreciated during this difficult time.

“… We kindly ask for your continued support there – it will help keep our staff working and make a meaningful difference as we recover.”

The Times contacted Braai House for further comment but had not received a response by publication time.