Larkspur restaurant fire attributed to oven

A two-alarm fire at an historic Larkspur restaurant over the weekend has been attributed to an oven flue exhaust pipe near the buildings roof, officials said.

While returning from a medical call at approximately 2:50 a.m. March 15, crewmembers with the Larkspur Fire Department noticed smoke and discovered a fire roaring at the Tavern at Lark Creek, Chief Bob Sinnott said.

The crew reportedly observed smoke coming from the second floor of the Victorian building at 234 Magnolia Ave., according to Sinnott. The fire was quickly upgraded to a second alarm, and firefighters and crews from the Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Rafael, Kentfield, Mill Valley and Ross Valley departments were called to assist.

Firefighters were able to control the fire in about 90 minutes after the blaze burned portions of the buildings roof, eaves and attic areas, Sinnott said. The restaurants dining and kitchen areas also sustained significant smoke, heat and water damage.

Sinnott said the fire is believed to have originated near the oven flue as a result of heat build up. Damage estimates were not available, but the chief said the building is structurally stable and should be ready for repairs and remodeling soon.

No injuries were reported during the fire.

Sinnott credited the firefighters who spotted the blaze for their quick action in locating and attacking the blaze.

Because few people are awake at this hour, this most likely prevented a delay in receiving a report of the fire and subsequently further damage to the building, he said.

The Tavern at Lark Creek was built in the late 19th Century and served as a home for decades before it was converted into a restaurant in the 1970s.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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Larkspur restaurant fire attributed to oven