A one-alarm fire broke out inside Casa Calamari on 86th Streetand Third Avenue shortly after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11,sending workers to the street and smoke streaming out therestaurant’s windows and doors.
Six firefighters were injured and taken to Lutheran MedicalCenter. No civilians were harmed.
Owner Leo Lyaourezos said that employees were prepping for theday ahead when the fire started in the ventilation ducts andeveryone had to evacuate. 9-1-1 was called at 10:12 a.m. and fourladder companies – 109, 114, 148 and 149 – and three enginecompanies – 201, 242 and 284 – responded. Rescue and EMS teams werealso on hand.
An additional engine company and ladder truck were called byFDNY Deputy Chief Carlsen. The fire was finally under control as of11:36 a.m., according to an FDNY spokesperson, who also confirmedthat the fire is under investigation by the fire marshals.
As of Monday, October 17, an FDNY spokesperson said thatmarshals have ruled the fire as accidental.
A crowd of onlookers – some residents, some business owners -gathered across the street to watch firefighters knock down ceilingtiles to reach the ducts.
Lyaourezos said he hopes Casa Calamari will only be closed for acouple of weeks. The business – which has a second branch at 18thand Bath Avenues – does have fire insurance.
On the Avenue: Annual Kiwanis karaoke event raises funds for ailing children 
On the Avenue: Bay Ridge’s parade season in full swing