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Fire damages landmark Anaheim White House restaurant
A fire damaged the Anaheim White House restaurant, which is known for its high-profile clientele of presidents, celebrities, athletes and other sports figures.
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Courtesy of Anaheim Police Department
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A fire engulfed the Anaheim White House restaurant early Saturday morning, leaving the landmark building extensively damaged, charred and smokey.
The first firefighters arrived at the scene just after 4 a.m. Saturday, and reported heavy flames and smoke coming from the roof, said Daron Wyatt, public information officer for Anaheim Fire & Rescue.
About 40 firefighters from several Orange County agencies battled the blaze at the restaurant. The fire was initially knocked down in about 30-40 minutes, but firefighters worked to extinguish hot spots for three hours, Wyatt said. The restaurant was unoccupied at the time, and no firefighters or any other people were injured.
https://twitter.com/AnaheimPD/status/827861101798830080
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Wyatt says damage is extensive to the restaurant that has served U.S. presidents, celebrities, athletes and sports figures over the years. But the restaurant is revered in the community for another reason, Wyatt said.
"Really, the restaurant is known because of [owner] Bruno Serato and his philanthropic efforts to feed motel children, get them out of motels and into permanent housing," Wyatt said. "He's really just created this whole movement from the restaurant and it's such a significant impact to the city of Anaheim."
Serato began serving meals to children in Anaheim in 2005 and he serves thousands of meals to children each week through his non-profit, Caterina's Club, according to the restaurant website.
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Anaheim Boulevard was closed in both directions early Saturday morning, but it reopened after 9 a.m. The restaurant is located at 887 S. Anaheim Boulevard.
https://twitter.com/AnaheimPD/status/827931050370142208
There has also been a GoFundMe page established to aid the restaurant, which you can see when you click here.
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