Update on 9/24/21: We’re told that Dama is back open “with normal operations.”
Earlier: Firefighters are investigating a possible kitchen fire at Dama Pastry and Restaurant on Columbia Pike.
Units arrived on scene at the long-time Ethiopian eatery at 1503 Columbia Pike and found heavy smoke inside, which was billowing out of the building.
Kitchen staff told firefighters that the smoke was caused by a fire on the stove, which they put out using fire extinguishers, according to scanner traffic. No active fire was found by the time firefighters arrived; units are now being put back into service while others work to ventilate remaining smoke from the structure.
Columbia Pike is temporarily blocked between the Sheraton hotel and the Air Force Memorial due to the emergency response.
There’s no word yet on how long Dama might be closed after the fire. Typically, the local health department must approve the reopening after a fire.
Arrival traffic-cam video of @ArlingtonVaFD reporting smoke showing at a restaurant on Columbia Pike near the Air Force Memorial. @ARLnowDOTcom @wtop @wtoptraffic @VaDOTNOVA #firefighters #fires #traffic #vatraffic pic.twitter.com/0lkD1oOSAN
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) September 23, 2021