Fire Routs Restaurant Patrons, Employees : Blaze: Firefighters close Seal Beach’s Main Street while dousing flames at landmark Walt’s Wharf that left $150,000 damage. They’re able to save main dining room.

A fire erupted at the landmark Walt’s Wharf restaurant Thursday, forcing lunch patrons to flee and firefighters to close down a portion of Main Street for several hours.

The blaze was confined to the kitchen and a crawl space between the first and second floors of the building, county fire officials said. The main dining area, with its wood decor and display of wine bottles, appeared untouched by flames, though Walt’s Wharf managers said the restaurant suffered water and smoke damage.

Firefighters estimated the damage at $150,000.

“I am fairly happy. At least they saved the building,” said Walt’s Wharf manager Mike Burdick. “It could have burned to the ground.”

Firefighter James Fraser suffered heat exhaustion and had to be taken to Los Alamitos Medical Center, where he was released later in the afternoon, said Maria Sabol, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Fire Department.

No other injuries were reported.

Restaurant workers said they were first alerted to the fire just before noon by a woman outside who noticed smoke billowing from the building.

Sabol said the fire started in the hood and duct system above the restaurant’s barbecue grill, where chicken, fish and other meats are prepared. The duct acts like a chimney, channeling smoke from the grill. Grease that had accumulated inside the duct somehow ignited, sending flames into the crawl space, Sabol said.

It took firefighters about 20 minutes to put out the blaze. Sabol said extra fire engines were called to the scene in part because of heavy winds, which heightened chances of the fire spreading to other buildings along the Main Street business district.

“The potential for this fire spreading was definitely there,” Sabol said.

Once they were alerted to the fire, Walt’s Wharf’s 30 employees and 30 to 50 diners were safely evacuated, witnesses said.

“Everyone just got up and calmly left,” said Rene Hamer, a bartender at the restaurant.

Burdick said Walt’s Wharf should reopen within two weeks--much too late for today’s Main Street Christmas Parade, which usually attracts many diners to the 23-year-old restaurant.

“I’m so glad there wasn’t more damage,” said Ron Jackson, 45, of Long Beach as he walked down Main Street. “Walt’s is a gem. It’s everyone’s favorite. I’m glad it’s still here for us to enjoy.”