JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – High winds didn't cause but may have helped spread a fire at the Sandollar restaurant on Fort George Island on Saturday, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said.
The fire started around noon in the kitchen area and the flames quickly went up to the attic and into the roof. Restaurant owner Jay McKenzie had to think fast with a restaurant full of employees and customers.
"I was in the office and they walked in and said one of the fryers was on fire," McKenzie said. "I walked in there, cut the gas off and the flames were already touching the ceiling and I said 'Get out everybody. Let's go.'"
Fortunately there is a fire station close to the popular waterfront restaurant, which is next to the Mayport ferry landing.
"All in all, the incident was called under control after about an hour and a half," JFRD's Tom Francis said.
SLIDESHOW: Waterfront restaurant burns
Francis said JFRD brought in more than 40 firefighters, several trucks and even the department's large boat to fight the flames from the river.
"Considering the obstacles we were faced with today, and these gusty winds, the job was astonishing, as far as what the firefighters were able to pull off," Francis said. "The building is still standing, there's structural damage obviously but all in all, this event is undeniably a success."
At times, wind gusts were blowing as fast at 20 miles per hour, which could have been the reason the fire spread so quickly.
Damage to the restaurant could have been worse, McKenzie said. But he has high hopes for the future.
"It was contained to the attic and the kitchen. The dining room's not hurt and we're going to rebuild the kitchen, fix the attic and be back open soon," he said.
The State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the fire because the damage estimates are so high -- about $300,000.
McKenzie said the restaurant was insured.