Fire at Ross Township Chili's diverts customers, workers to restaurant's other sites

Apr. 30—Those looking to dine at Chili's Grill and Bar were unable to visit the restaurant chain's location in Ross Township after firefighting crews battled a roof blaze at the business Sunday morning.

Units were dispatched at about 9 a.m. and cleared the scene in the 7400 block of McKnight Road shortly after 10:30 a.m., an Allegheny County 911 dispatch supervisor said.

Flames and smoke initially were visible on the roof of the restaurant, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI-TV.

The extent and origin of the fire were unclear. A township fire marshal didn't immediately respond to a request for information.

A Chili's spokesperson referred customers to the Waterworks Chili's location, at 855 Freeport Road in Pittsburgh.

"While we work out details of what's next, we're placing our McKnight Road team members in other local Chili's locations," said the spokesperson. "We're relieved that no one was injured during this morning's fire at Chili's McKnight Road, and we want to thank local first responders for their quick efforts."

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .