A tiny fire started under the grates outside of the Chapala Cafe tonight a little after 8 P.M.  According to Ted Stewart the manager/owner of the restaurant on 2nd Street in Eureka, “Probably a cigarette was thrown in the grate.”  He says, similar events have happened before. The fire, he said, was seen by a passersby who discovered smoke coming from beneath the restaurant.  The fire department was called and the flames were “out in 5 or 10 minutes,” said Stewart.

However, Stewart said he was glad it was discovered now. “If it happened at 2 A.M….,” Stewart said his voice trailing off.

Kudos to the passerby and, of course, to the firemen.

Thanks to an alert reader for sending LoCO the photo and the tip.  You can send us information on our Facebook page or to our email at lostcoastoutpost@gmail.com.