Grease Fire Causes Heavy Damage at Farmer Boys Restaurant in Perris

The blaze spread from the grill to the kitchen and attic, forcing customer evacuation.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A grease fire that broke out at a Farmer Boys restaurant in Perris, California on March 3, 2026 turned into a larger blaze, causing major damage to the building and forcing customers to evacuate. Firefighters responded to the scene and evacuated the restaurant, eventually cutting holes in the roof to access the fire which had spread to the attic. No injuries were reported, but the restaurant sustained extensive damage from the fire and roof.

Why it matters

Grease fires are a common hazard in commercial kitchens and can quickly escalate into larger, more dangerous blazes if not contained properly. This incident highlights the importance of restaurant staff being trained on fire safety and having the proper equipment and procedures in place to respond to such emergencies swiftly to minimize damage and protect public safety.

The details

The fire started on the grill in the kitchen and was initially extinguished by the cook staff using a fire extinguisher. However, the fire had already spread further into the kitchen and eventually into the attic before the staff realized the extent of the blaze and called emergency responders. Firefighters evacuated the restaurant and cut holes in the roof to access the fire in the attic, leading to extensive damage to both the interior and exterior of the building.

  • The fire broke out around 1:50 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Firefighters responded to the scene and contained the fire after about an hour.

The players

Farmer Boys

A regional fast-casual restaurant chain with locations throughout California and the Southwest.

Cal Fire Riverside County

The Riverside County division of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which responded to the fire.

John Clingingsmith Jr.

A captain with Cal Fire Riverside County who provided details about the fire to the media.

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What they’re saying

“Cook staff initially used a fire extinguisher to put out a grease fire that started on the grill, but didn't realize it had spread further into the kitchen until it was too late and called emergency responders.”

— John Clingingsmith Jr., Captain (OnScene)

What’s next

Farmer Boys will need to assess the full extent of the damage and determine how long the restaurant will need to remain closed for repairs.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of restaurant staff being properly trained on fire safety protocols and having the right equipment on hand to quickly contain grease fires before they can spread and cause significant damage. Proper fire prevention and response measures are crucial for protecting both public safety and a business's bottom line.