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Restaurant Closed for Sabbath Catches Fire in Valley Village

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The front doorway of a restaurant and cafe in Valley Village caught fire this afternoon, but was quickly knocked down by the LA Fire Department in eight minutes after the first 911 call. Cafe Eilat, a kosher gourmet coffee shop and full bakery with sit down service, was already closed today in observance of the Sabbath.

"The bulk of the business is untouched by fire, but (per protocol) Cafe Eilat will require clearance from the Health Department before it can again open for business," explained LAFD Spokesman Brian Humphrey. He said an estimated dollar loss is still being tabulated.

An overheated aquarium motor near the seating area started the fire. Humphrey said the aquarium is believed to be a decorative item for ambiance rather than storage for kosher fish.

Cafe Eilat is located on the corner of Burbank Blvd. and Whitsett Ave. at 12519 Burbank Blvd.

Photo by chuckmartel via Flickr

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