A two-alarm fire damaged a Elks Lodge Santa Clara Friday evening as two people were hurt, officials said.
The incident happened just after 5 p.m. in the area of Scott Blvd and Martin Ave.
Santa Clara fire battalion chief Drew Miller said that the fire may have started in the kitchen.
"Initial reports was the stove on fire when crews got here," he said. "There was heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the structure. The call was reported by two personnel working inside.”
Officials said the business were inside preparing for the monthly fish fry fundraiser.
Witness Kevin Farmer told NBC Bay Area Friday that he was at the building next door getting ready for bingo night, when he saw the flames.
"I immediately ran over inside the building," he said. "I was going to try to put the flames out but once I got up to where the kitchen was, it was too hot. A lot of smoke was coming down the ceiling.”
Local
About 300 people at a business next door had to be evacuated. The two people inside the burning building suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation, officials to Santa Clara fire.
The Santa Clara Elks Lodge chapter has been in the area for over 67 years and has raised over $12 million for those in need.
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"We pray we will be able to rebuild. We don’t know how long that will take," said Michelle Wilson with Elks Lodge.
The several nearby streets were closed for several hours as firefighters battled the fire.
