GEARY COUNTY —Junction City Fire Chief Terry Johnson said Wednesday morning that the estimated dollar loss from the Munson's Prime Steakhouse fire has been set at $750,000. The owners, Deanna and Chuck Munson, confirmed the business was insured.
Firefighters responded to the blaze at 4:17 a.m. Wednesday to the 426 Goldenbelt Boulevard location on the south side of Junction City. The fire had been reported by an on-duty Geary County Sheriff's Deputy. When they arrived they found the single story wood framed building with fire showing on the northwest side of the structure from the north entrance into the kitchen area. Fire progression on the structure forced an evacuation of the building at 4:30 a.m. Crews then had to transition to a defensive attack. Fire eventually caused a structure collapse on the northwest section of the steakhouse.
Crews continued their operations on scene until 9:55 a.m. and investigators from the Junction City Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's Office could then begin work. KDOT also placed warning signs during the fire for smoke crossing Interstate 70.
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JUNCTION CITY —Authorities were on the scene of a restaurant fire in Junction City Wednesday.
Just after 4a.m. firefighters responded to a fire at Munson Prime, 1825 Goldenbelt Boulevard in Junction City, according to Garry Berges, Geary County Rural Fire Chief.
The entire structure is a complete loss and the roof has caved in on it, according to Berges.
Firefighters were trying to protect the exposures to the east, which would be the old Ike's Place. There are also high transmission power lines in the area.
The restaurant was owned by Chuck and Deanna Munson and has been a popular eating establishment in Junction City.
Berges said there was a lot of smoke in the area, especially going across the interstate so anybody down here needs to be very careful as they're going along the roadway and try to stay out of the area if possible. There were no injuries reported and no information on a possible cause.
Check the Post for more details as information becomes available.