Springfield restaurant closes temporarily when fire breaks out during food inspection

A fire broke out near the end of a food inspection, according to a May 4 Springfield-Greene County Health Department food inspection report. Due to the fire, the establishment had to temporarily close.

According to the report, "a fire broke out in one of the ovens" at the end of Incredible Pizza Company's May 4 inspection, and everyone had to evacuate the building at 2850 S. Campbell Ave. Incredible Pizza Company's permit was suspended until food and food-contact single-service items that were exposed to smoke could be discarded and all food contact surfaces were cleaned and sanitized, the report said. According to SGCHD spokesman Aaron Schekorra, the restaurant's permit was re-instated the following day.

Prior to the blaze, the establishment had been cited for two priority violations regarding food temperature. One was resolved by discarding the food that was out of temperature.

Food inspections take place one to three times a year, depending on the type of food served, the population served, difficulty of food preparation and past history. Restaurants preparing food from raw ingredients are inspected more often "than convenience stores that serve only non-potentially hazardous foods, such as popcorn and soda," according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

Each report identifies what was happening at the establishment at that time. Consumers who want to know whether a violation is a one-time thing or a pattern are encouraged to refer to previous reports.

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Issues found during inspection fall into either priority or non-priority violations. Priority violations impact the safety of the food, such as cross contamination between raw and ready-to-eat food, improper food temperature and poor personal hygiene and employee health. Multiple priority violations can lead to an establishment being shut down. Non-priority violations alone do not directly affect food safety, such as dirty floors, sticky tabletops or outside trash cans not being covered.

Here are food inspections from the last week:

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Bark Yard, 3110 E. Cherry St., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during the inspection.

Basilico Italian Cafe, 306 E. Commercial St., Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

Big Momma's Drive Thru/Queen City Soul Kitchen, 1626 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield. May 10 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed no paper towels at kitchen hand-wash sink; observed mop found stored inside mop sink; observed no thermometers in cold holding equipment.

Bigshots Golf Springfield, 1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during inspection.

Braum's Ice Cream No. 272, 2555 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Follow-up visit will be made on or after May 12 to check display cooler. One priority violation: Observed sliced watermelon and cantaloupe were 49 degrees Fahrenheit in right end of display cooler. Four non-priority violations: Observed some portions of equipment and cabinets were not clean; observed several areas of floor were not clean; observed ice bagged on the premises lacked store number or address, which was corrected prior to inspector exit; observed hand sink by grill area was blocked by equipment, which was corrected promptly.

Braum's Ice Cream No. 272, 2555 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. May 9 routine inspection – Result: active. Manager indicated that 15 pounds of refrigerant had been added to display cooler, which was operating properly at time of inspection.

Braum's Ice Cream No. 284, 2617 W. Republic Road, Springfield. May 5 complaint inspection – Result: active. Complaint received on May 4 regarding ants and store not being clean. No ants observed at time of visit, however the manager is aware of issue and has been keeping the area sanitized and agrees to contact pest control. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed heavy build-up of grease on vent hood frame and filters over grill, as well as grease build-up on shelving units in grill area; observed food debris and grease build-up on floors in kitchen, grill area and under counter on line and at soda fountain area.

Chuck Wagon Lemonade, 7145 E. Farm Road 80, Strafford. May 6 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

Dive Bar & Lounge, 2826 E. Division St., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited during inspection.

Dr. Phil's Food Shop and Storage, 3328 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

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Fast-N-Friendly, 3249 E. Evans Road, Springfield. May 9 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed ice machine was dirty. One non-priority violation: Observed shelves in walk-in cooler were dirty.

Flying J Travel Plaza No. 1061, 4939 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 10 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One open-air cooler was out of temperature and numerous potentially hazardous food items had to be discarded. One priority violation: Observed one open-air cooler was running 45 to 50 degrees and several potentially hazardous food items were removed from customer service and discarded by staff. Two non-priority violations: Observed disposable gloves being stored in cabinet below drain lines in the Cinnabon area; observed the hand sink in the McClain room is plugged and has standing water in it, which must be repaired.

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, 3757 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Georgia Mac's, 1440 E. Republic Road, Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Golden Korean Restaurant, 1406 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 10 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Two priority violations: Observed employee donning gloves to work with food without washing hands, education provided and corrected on-site; observed strainer had visible build up and grime, education provided and corrected on-site. One non-priority violation: Observed hand sink plumbing in food prep area was clogged up and not allowing sink to drain. Education provided and owner stated he would call to have it serviced immediately.

Golden Korean Restaurant, 1406 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 11 re-inspection – Result: active. All previous violations corrected.

Gooey's Grilled Cheese, 3850 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations at time of inspection.

Hungry 1 Catering LLC & Infused Catering LLC, 1645 W. Republic Road, Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

I Love Tacos Taqueria II, 430 N. Broadview Place, Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed one food employee did not have his hair covered; observed one squeeze bottle of cooking oil was not labeled with common name of item; observed trailer was out of paper towels at time of inspection.

Incredible Pizza Co., 2850 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 4 routine inspection – Result: suspend, public. At the end of the inspection a fire broke out in one of the ovens. Everyone evacuated the building until the fire was out. Their permit was suspended until they could discard all of the food and food contact single-serve items that were exposed to the smoke and all food contact surfaces were cleaned and sanitized. Discussed date marking requirements and paper towel requirements. Two priority violations: Observed sweet potatoes being held at 129 degrees in warming oven; observed chicken held on cold bar at 44 degrees, which was discarded. No non-priority violations.

Killian Softball Concession, 2141 E. Pythian St., Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited during inspection.

Kona Ice Springfield, 117 E. Park St., Republic. May 6 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

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Laes Authentic Egg Rolls, 177 W. Heritage Court, Fair Grove. May 6 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

Lindberg's, 318 W. Commercial St., Springfield. May 9 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violations: Observed box cream cheese stored on top of prime rib, education was given and corrected on-site. Four non-priority violations: Observed outside of flour bins was not clean; observed no quat sanitizer test kit to check concentration of sanitizer; observed trash can in women's restrooms had no lid, which is a repeat violation; observed light coming through bottom of back exterior door by restrooms and bottom and side of exterior door to smoker, which is a repeat violation.

Omo Japanese Soul Food, 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Springfield. May 4 re-inspection – Result: active. Items from routine inspection have been corrected: thin probe thermometer now available, quat test strips available, non-food contact surfaces have been cleaned and a cleaning schedule is in place and stainless steel panel is now behind the three vat sink and sealed to wall so surface is smooth and cleanable.

Papa John's Pizza No. 1407, 1814 W. Kearney St., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed several packages of refrigerated, potentially hazardous foods were labeled with the same date for packaged on and use-by. One non-priority violation: Observed inside of one refrigerator and computer cables running above prep line were not clean.

Pineapple Whip Travel Unit, 2902 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

Pipkin Middle School, 1215 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed floor in dry storage area is not clean, education was provided.

Price Cutter No. 12 Retail/Produce, 712 W. Commercial St., Springfield. May 4 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed lights on bottom of milk and egg cooler were unshielded, education was given.

Republic Sweeney Elementary, 720 N. Main St., Republic. May 8 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

RISE, 105 Park Central Square, Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

Rocco's Pizza South SFD, 4315 S. National Ave., Springfield. May 10 re-inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of re-inspection.

Salvation Army Kitchen, 1701 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 4 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed date marking of ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods were inconsistently labeled with 6, 7 or 8 days, so staff was educated on proper date marking. No non-priority violations.

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Sonic Drive-In, 635 W. Commercial St., Springfield. May 4 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed utensils found stored not clean, education given and corrected on-site; observed utensil storage containers found not clean, education given and corrected on-site. Five non-priority violations: Observed inside of ice machine found not clean, education given; observed soda dispenser nozzles found not clean; observed utensils and equipment being stored in storage area between restrooms and dish storage area were no longer in use; observed ceiling vents in the facility and shelving, and wall by prep table were not clean; observed employee drinks had no lid and straw or lid and handle, education given.

St. Joseph's Catholic Academy Cafeteria, 515 W. Scott St., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited.

Taco Bell No. 003845, 3511 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 9 routine inspection – Result: active. Facility discarded one badly stained spatula. No violations cited.

Taco Bell No. 003851, 3340 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, 1250 E. Republic Road, Springfield. May 10 re-inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of re-inspection.

Taqueria Cachanilla, 1938 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Five priority violations: 1. Observed employee preparing food with gloves on, employee stopped to handle cell phone and use with gloves on. Corrected on-site, manager had employee stop, remove gloves and wash hands immediate. Education provided. 2. Observed employee peeling cucumbers with bare hands and placing cucumbers in blender. Corrected on-sire; employee voluntarily discarded peeled cucumbers and washed hands immediately and put on gloves. 3. Observed pans, utensils and ware are not being washed, rinsed and sanitized. Employee was observed only washing in second sink of the three-vat sink. Corrected on-site; dirty dishes were removed from the first sink and all three sinks were washed, rinsed and sanitized. A soapy solution was set up in the first sink, rinse water in second and chlorine at 50 to 100 ppm in the third sink. Dishes were then air dried. Education provided. 4. Observed single glass door reach-in cooler holding potentially hazardous foods at 45 degrees. Unit turned down immediately; owner agrees to monitor and move food if temperature is not below 41 degrees within an hour and agrees to call maintenance. Follow-up inspection set for May 11. 5. Observed raw meats in top drawer of low-boy cooler stored over vegetables and cheese in bottom drawer. Corrected on-site; education provided. One non-priority violation: Observed spatulas next to grill stored in room temperature water. Corrected on-site; in-use utensils can be stored in hot water above 135 degrees or in a dry, cleaned and sanitized pan (as long as the pan and spatulas are washed, rinsed and sanitized every 4 hours). Education provided.

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The Crepe Shack, 2463 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 6 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed employee placing crepes in to-go container with bare hands. Employee said food was for customer order. Employee voluntarily discarded food. Corrected on-site. No non-priority violations.

Uptown Pizza House, 312 E. Commercial St., Springfield. May 9 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed can opener stored with blade not clean. Repeat violation, education given and corrected on-site. Two nonpriority violations: Observed soda machine dispenser nozzles were clean but area above soda dispenser nozzles were not, education given and corrected on-site; observed seals around the doors were missing or coming apart on Coke fridge by the pizza oven and three-door fridge in kitchen.

Van Gogh's Eeterie, 334 E. Commerical St., Springfield. May 4 re-inspection – Result: active. No violations cited.

Wendy's No. 28, 1723 W. Republic Road, Springfield. May 10 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed amber pans on air-drying rack with grease build-up in pan on food contact surface area. Discussed cleaning method with manager and ordering new pans. One non-priority violations: Observed walk-in freezer has ice build-up below compressor on chicken boxes and on floor. Three bags of chicken voluntarily discarded. Manager agrees to place work order in on unit.

Wendy's No. 33, 3558 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 5 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed open employee energy drink can on prep table when employee drinks are required to have a lid and straw. Drink was removed and education provided. No non-priority violations.

Xurros Handcrafted Spanish Donuts, 2350 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 6 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Zayka Indian Cuisine, 311 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield. May 8 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed multiple potentially hazardous prepared foods not properly date labeled. Education given and correct on-site by staff date-labeling foods accordingly.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield restaurant reopens after fire during food inspection