Two workers injured in Peg Leg’s kitchen fire
BY B.J. DAVIS Gulf Breeze News bjdavis@gulfbreezenews.com

An accidental fire caused two restaurant employees of the popular Pensacola Beach restaurant Peg Leg's to be rushed off by ambulance Sunday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however the fire that originated in the kitchen was described by staff as quickly contained .

"From what I hear, the fire happened and was put out very quickly," said General Manager Jimmy Wiltcher.

The two long-time employees, Mac Griffin and Ben Smith were cleaning the kitchen at approximately 9 p.m. when the fire started. Griffin was recovering from recent back problems and was hospitalized overnight for observation. Smith who was also treated for first degree burns was treated and released.

"Keeping people safe is more important than serving a fry platter," said Wiltcher. He also said that since under its current ownership for the past 16 years, no employees have been injured as a result of a fire. A safety system was in use and functional at the time of the accident enabling responding emergency medical teams to arrive at the restaurant in a timely manner. According to scanner dispatch, the State Road 399 closure between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach is still in a state of disrepair hampering the efforts of one Rural-Metro ambulance.

There was minimal damage to the kitchen, and Peg Leg's was able to reopen the next

evening after an inspection by the State Fire Marshall. workers injured in Peg Leg’s kitchen fire