NORWICH – A broiler located at the rear of the kitchen at Fred’s Inn is being blamed for a devastating fire that quickly spread to the popular restaurant’s ceiling and attic Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage and requiring several of the county’s fire departments to respond.

The fire was first reported by a member of the kitchen staff at approximately 2:45 p.m., when he said he noticed flames inside the west wall of the kitchen adjacent to the broiler. Dan Rice, a cook at Fred’s, said he immediately dialed 911 and quickly got everyone out of the building, stating, “I was the last one out.”

Rice, along with several other employees and customers, all evacuated the restaurant safely, emergency officials said.

Chief dispatcher at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, A. Jones, said a full investigation into the fire continues, conducted by the Norwich Fire Marshall and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigation. The Norwich, Oxford, North Norwich, Sherburne and Plymouth fire departments all responded to the scene, he added.