Calexico Denny’s catches fire on Christmas Day

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) - The Denny's restaurant in Calexico caught fire on December 25.

The fire was reported just before 7 a.m. Pacific, after employees noticed smoke while opening the restaurant.

Fire crews initially struggled to locate the source of the fire. Fire officials say one of the cooks noticed heavy smoke and the smell of burning plastic coming from a mechanical room located between the ceiling and the roof.

Calexico Fire Chief Juan Contreras said, "We then saw flames there, but we couldn't access that space, and the fire spread throughout the ceiling of the restaurant."

No injuries were reported, and all employees were safely evacuated. More than 30 firefighters from five cities across Imperial County worked through the day to bring the flames under control.

The Denny's on Cole Blvd was used as a gathering place for events with the local community and organizations.

Calexico Mayor Victor Legaspi described the restaurant as a community staple.

"You know, it's family-oriented. A lot of families came down for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a friendly environment, kind of like the show Cheers, where everybody knows your name," he said.

The owners say they hope to rebuild in the future.