Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif. – The Monterey Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Carmel Burger Bar in the Carmel Plaza on Junipero Avenue and Ocean Avenue. While the business was open, there was a report of smoke inside the building. All patrons exited the building safely. On arrival, fire crews found a working fire originating from the kitchen behind a stove in the wall and crawl space. Crews were able to contain the fire to the room of origin which prevented the fire from spreading to the connecting businesses. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.

A total of 25 fire personnel, led by the Monterey Fire Department responded including 3 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 4 chiefs, and a fire investigator from the City of Monterey Fire Department and Pebble Beach Community Services District. American Medical Response (AMR), the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Police Department, County of Monterey Health Department, Carmel CERT and PG&E also responded.

The building sustained significant fire and structural damage with an initial estimated loss set at approximately $175,000. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation but not considered suspicious. FULL NEWS RELEASE IN PDF.