Blaze Damages Canter’s Deli

A grease fire early today damaged the kitchen and attic of the venerable Canter’s delicatessen, an all-night restaurant in the Fairfax area, and forced the closure of the restaurant for at least two days, officials said. No injuries were reported among the six customers and four staff members who were in the restaurant when the blaze broke out in a deep fryer about 5:10 a.m., owner Alan Canter said.

The flames spread up a duct and into the attic of the building at 419 N. Fairfax Ave., causing about $35,000 damage, Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells said. Canter’s son Gary, who manages the restaurant, said the takeout delicatessen and bakery would remain open, but during cleanup for the next two or three days, the restaurant would be closed.