On Tuesday, Oct. 10 just before 7 p.m., the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District was dispatched to the 2500 block of Patterson Road in Riverbank for a report of a fire in the kitchen of Cool Hand Luke’s restaurant.

Fire officials said when Engine 26 arrived at 7:01 p.m., the building had been evacuated and there was nothing showing. When the fire crew entered the structure, they discovered a small fire in the cooking area that had extended into the attic. When additional resources arrived (including assistance from Modesto Fire), the fire was kept from spreading further and extinguished.

SCFPD cleared the scene at 9:11 p.m. after the fire was put out and an overhaul completed.

Officials at the restaurant indicated they hoped to have the local eatery back open this week.