Customers found the door closed this Tuesday noon when they showed up for lunch at the entrance to the La Boucherie restaurant. With a short note explaining that the establishment would be closed for the day of December 10, 2024. It is a disaster in the kitchen which is at the origin of this measure. A fire broke out in the middle of the morning at the back of the stove where the manager, Florence Mercier, was preparing couscous.
“I emptied two fire extinguishers”
“I saw smoke then flames. I tried to intervene by emptying two fire extinguishers and using damp rags, but it was not enough. she reports. The boss quickly turned off the gas and alerted the firefighters, who came in force. Around fifteen firefighters and five vehicles from the Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Parcé-sur-Sarthe and Chantenay-Villedieu centers were mobilized.
The fire was brought under control using a hose, without causing any injuries. “It’s my pride that is affected. Everything was perfect. There had been a check the day before. I don't understand what happened.” confides Florence Mercier, who took over the restaurant last April and employs eight people.
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The team is on forced shutdown until further notice, pending equipment repair. “We need an electrician and a plumber to come quickly,” hopes Florence Mercier, without knowing at this stage when it could reopen. Representatives of the La Boucherie chain were expected on site in the afternoon.
