A video posted to YouTube Friday gives a glimpse into how firefighters handled the Sassafras Diner fire.
One firefighter hurt his ankle during the incident, which was reported about 11 p.m. Thursday (June 28).
The diner — a staple of Huntington poised to celebrate its 30th anniversary in August — was badly damaged in the blaze.
The fire started in the kitchen, but Shelton Fire Marshal James Tortora told the Valley Indy Friday afternoon the precise cause won’t be known until sometime next week.
The owners — the Poniros family — have vowed to rebuild their business in Huntington Plaza.
The fire caused an outpouring of support for the family on the Valley Indy’s Facebook page Friday.
Denise Poniros Dykes used Facebook to thank the public for their kindness.
“I would like to take a moment to thank all of our friends and customers who stopped by today to show us their love and support,” she posted on the Valley Indy Facebook page Friday. “The fire was a total loss but we hope to rebuild soon.”
Click here to view a previous Valley Indy story on the fire.
The video above shows firefighters arriving at the scene and then forcing their way through the diner’s front door.
They extend a hose into the restaurant while several other firefighters carry ladders around the side of the building.
Heavy smoke can be seen coming from the rear of the building/kitchen area in the second half of the video. Firefighters can also be seen using chainsaws to vent the roof.
This photo gallery shows the fire’s aftermath: