El Pollo Loco On La Cienega

A fire has erupted at the El Pollo Loco restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard this morning, prompting a swift response from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The incident is currently under investigation, and the restaurant remains closed.

The blaze, reported at approximately 7:15 AM PST, has caused significant damage to the building. Authorities are working to determine the cause and assess the full extent of the impact on the surrounding area.

Fire Engulfs La Cienega El Pollo Loco

Initial reports indicate that the fire originated in the kitchen area of the El Pollo Loco located at 450 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048. LAFD units arrived on the scene within minutes and began battling the flames.

According to LAFD spokesperson Captain Erik Scott, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire upon arrival. The quick response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent businesses.

“Our crews made an aggressive interior attack, but the fire's intensity required a defensive strategy at one point,” stated Captain Scott during a press briefing. “We were able to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.”

No Injuries Reported

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among employees, customers, or firefighters. The restaurant was reportedly closed at the time the fire started, preventing potential casualties.

“We are extremely grateful that everyone is safe,” said a representative from El Pollo Loco corporate in a released statement. “The safety of our employees and customers is always our top priority.”

Investigation Underway

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is currently investigating the cause of the fire. Investigators are examining potential sources, including electrical malfunctions and cooking equipment.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire,” confirmed an LAFD investigator at the scene. “We are interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage to gather more information.”

Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire may have started near a deep fryer, but officials are not ruling out other possibilities. The investigation is expected to continue for several days.

Restaurant Closure and Community Impact

The El Pollo Loco location on La Cienega Boulevard will remain closed until further notice. The extent of the damage is being assessed, and repairs are expected to take several weeks, if not months.

The closure of the restaurant will impact the local community, affecting both employees and customers. The restaurant employs approximately 30 individuals, who will be temporarily displaced.

“We understand that this closure will affect our employees and customers, and we are committed to supporting them during this challenging time,” the El Pollo Loco representative added.

Efforts are underway to offer affected employees temporary assignments at other El Pollo Loco locations in the area. The company is also working to provide resources and support to help employees navigate the temporary job loss.

Local residents who frequently patronize the La Cienega location expressed disappointment at the sudden closure. The restaurant was a popular destination for grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired cuisine.

“I'm really bummed to hear about the fire,” said Maria Rodriguez, a nearby resident. “I love going there for lunch. I hope they can reopen soon.”

Other businesses in the area were temporarily affected by the emergency response. Some streets were closed to allow fire trucks access to the scene, causing minor traffic delays.

Next Steps and Ongoing Developments

The LAFD investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. El Pollo Loco corporate is working with insurance adjusters to assess the damage and plan for repairs.

The company intends to rebuild and reopen the La Cienega location as soon as possible. The reopening date will depend on the extent of the damage and the time required for repairs and renovations.

El Pollo Loco encourages customers to visit other nearby locations in the meantime. A list of locations can be found on the company's website, www.elpolloloco.com.