VJ's Cafe appears to be 'total loss' after fire

VJ's Cafe appears to be 'total loss' after fire

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By WBRC Staff - email
A daylight view of the cafe reveals the extent of damage. Source: Clare Huddleston A daylight view of the cafe reveals the extent of damage. Source: Clare Huddleston
Fire crews respond to the scene of the fire in the 5100 block of East Lake Boulevard. Source: WBRC video Fire crews respond to the scene of the fire in the 5100 block of East Lake Boulevard. Source: WBRC video
A closer view shows that the roof of the building collapsed in the fire. Source: Clare Huddleston A closer view shows that the roof of the building collapsed in the fire. Source: Clare Huddleston
Flames from the fire at VJ's Cafe on the Runway could be seen from the interstate near the airport. Source: WBRC video Flames from the fire at VJ's Cafe on the Runway could be seen from the interstate near the airport. Source: WBRC video
Officials closed down part of East Lake Boulevard to traffic in the 5100 block so firefighters can continue to put out the flames. Officials closed down part of East Lake Boulevard to traffic in the 5100 block so firefighters can continue to put out the flames.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

A business on East Lake Boulevard in northeast Birmingham appears to be a total loss after a fire broke out early Friday morning, officials say.

Firefighters responded to a blaze at VJ's Cafe on the Runway, a restaurant located just north of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

The fire started around 3:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30. When firefighters got to the scene, they could see heavy fire and smoke showing from the building. The flames from the blaze are still visible from the interstate near the airport.

Birmingham Battalion Chief Albert Ward confirms that the restaurant was closed at the time of the fire and no one was injured. Chief Ward says the roof partially collapsed at the business, and the building appears to be a total loss. He said the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen area, but the cause of the blaze is still undetermined.

Earlier this morning, officials closed off the 5100 block of East Lake Boulevard while firefighters battled the flames. The fire was contained to the restaurant.

Fox 6 Reporter Clare Huddleston is on the scene of the fire and is tweeting updates, which you can follow @Fox6Clare. Check back with this story for more details.

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