Firefighters extinguish apparent grease fire at Carl’s Jr.

Grease collected over time in the ducts above a Vancouver Carl’s Jr. apparently caught fire Monday evening, prompting multiple calls to 911 from bystanders who saw flames spout from the roof.

Firefighters were called to the fast food restaurant, at 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., shortly after 7 p.m.

Vancouver Fire Department Battalion Chief Rick Steele said the first firefighters on the scene saw flames shooting from the building’s roof.

Steele said the fire was largely contained to ducts above a stove at the business, where grease likely caught fire.

“After several years, the grease will build up in those things,” Steele said.

When firefighters went inside, the building was mostly clear of smoke. Firefighters on the roof were able to quickly douse the fire using a small pressurized water can, he said.

“Pretty minor fire, but we’ve seen enough of these fires to know they can get pretty scary real quick,” Steele said.

Guests and employees evacuated when the fire started, and no one was hurt.

Five engines and two trucks responded to the fire.