No cause for the fire has been identified and the investigation continues.
On Twitter, Fong’s promised to repay swift work by the fire department with free pizza.
As reported on West Seattle Blog (Statement from Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski to Fauntleroy Church congregation):
The fire was small, and we are a strong, healthy church. All will be well!
“That system did what it was designed to do,” Imlay said.
Meanwhile, the alarm sounded throughout the restaurant which initiated an evacuation, Imlay said.
Many customers remained in the parking lot while firefighters extinguished the fire and some folks simply finished their meal or dessert outside as they watched the activity, Bryce Berry said. Berry was dining with friends when the alarm sounded. After being evacuated, the group gathered outside to watch the activity.
“It didn’t seem urgent at the time,” Flanigan said, “because they got us out so quickly.”
The Olive Garden management staff were unable to comment.