A crowd gathered in Central Park on Monday, August 3, to watch the Fillmore Fire Department and supporting units fight a fire at a popular restaurant. At approximately 9:55a.m. the City of Fillmore Fire Department responded to a report of a kitchen fire at Diamond Dave’s Cafe located at 454 Santa Clara Avenue, Fillmore. Upon arriving on scene firefighters observed heavy smoke from the rear entrance and rooftop of the structure. Shortly after entering the structure, firefighters were able to launch an aggressive attack resulting in minimal damage to three rooms and the exterior of the structure. The fire was knocked down within 15 minutes of the arrival of the first unit. The restaurant was closed at the time of the incident preventing any injuries to occupants or bystanders. Additional resources from the City of Santa Paula and County of Ventura were requested shortly after the time of dispatch. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The building is owned by Frank and Stacy Mutz and was leased by Dave Burns.

The fire, which started in the kitchen area, produced substantial smoke.

The gas line is shut down.

A neighbor quickly attempted to assist with fighting the fire, and stayed with it for about 20 minutes.

The smoke was thick, and filled the entire structure. No injuries occurred and no structural damage.