(Updated at 3:10 p.m.) Mike’s American Grill faced a three-alarm fire last night (Tuesday) that forced staff and Valentine’s Day diners to evacuate.
Smoke could be seen issuing from the popular Springfield restaurant when Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units arrived at 6210 Backlick Road, the department said at 8:52 p.m, indicating that the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen.
“Crews are actively working to contain the fire,” the department said in a 9:19 p.m. update. “A third alarm has been requested. The building has been evacuated.”
The City of Alexandria Fire Department and Fort Belvoir Fire & Emergency Services joined the emergency response. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control by 9:50 p.m., though it wasn’t extinguished until around 11 p.m.
Approximately 150 customers and 85 employees were at the restaurant during a busy Valentine’s Day dinner and needed to be evacuated, the FCFRD reported, but there were no injuries.
Messages lamenting the fire and expressing hope that everyone is okay popped up on social media, including the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Mike’s American shared this morning (Wednesday) that it is temporarily closed so interior and exterior damage from the fire can be repaired.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back soon,” the restaurant said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the FCFRD confirmed today that it started in a first-floor kitchen and caused $200,000 in damages.
UPDATE 3 Alarm fire, 6200 block Backlick Rd, Mike’s American Grill, at 8:55pm, 2/14: Approx 150 customers/85 employees present at time of fire. All safely evacuated. No reported injuries. Fire started in kitchen on 1st floor. Cause: under investigation. Damages: $200K. #FCFRD pic.twitter.com/XTKP0xwMN7
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) February 15, 2023
Oh no 😭😭 this is awful. I can't imagine how many people were there tonight celebrating – Mike's has been my family's go-to special event dining destination for years. And Great American JUST fixed/reopened Artie's after a fire 💔 Sending love to all the staff doing it all again https://t.co/pY1jyGr1fg
— go follow me on 🦋 for the love of god/hate monger (@TheyAreJett) February 15, 2023
MASSIVE SCENE at Mike’s American off Backlick Road in Springfield.
A fire forces staff and customers out of the restaurant during a busy Valentine’s dinner night. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/XLaEBJpZuf— Adam Longo (@adamlongoTV) February 15, 2023
UPDATE – fire is out. No reported injuries at this time. Fire investigators on scene to determine cause. #FCFRD https://t.co/jc7EAR6yf3
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) February 15, 2023
3-ALARM FIRE at Mike's American Grill, 6210 Backlick Rd in Springfield. NEWS PHOTOS: @RVANOVA01 pic.twitter.com/26rED2ArE9
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) February 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/xthefirephoto/status/1625723867246260225
