By Alicia Couch Payne

At approximately 10 p.m., fire crews from all over the area converged on Main Street in Buford, Ga.  Smoke could be seen inside the Main Street Deli located at 60 East Main Street.  I arrived on scene minutes after hearing the sirens go through town.  I counted six firetrucks plus support vehicles and ambulances were on the scene.

Fire crews gained access to the deli by busting through the front door.  Once inside they quickly discovered the cause of the smoke.  Someone from the deli left a piece of cooking equipment on after they closed up for the day.

Damage was contained to that piece of cooking equipment along with minor smoke damage.  The front door also sustained damage from crews having to gain entry to the restaurant.

No one was at the restaurant at the time of the call.  The owner arrived on the scene moments after fire crews and left to get plywood to board up the front door.

This could have been very serious and the amazing fire crews responded in numbers and quickly.  Hats off to the Gwinnett County Fire Department!

A quick reminder to always check your cooking equipment to make sure it is turned off whether it is in a business or your home before walking away for any period of time.  As always, make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home or business.