Sturbridge, Mass. — October 23, 2025 — The Sturbridge Firefighters Local 170 responded late Thursday morning to a commercial fire alarm at Applebee’s Restaurant on Charlton Road. Engine 1 arrived to find a light smoke condition inside, prompting a First Alarm recall for off-duty personnel.

Firefighters quickly traced the source to a fryer overflow that caused oil to overheat and activate the kitchen’s dry chemical suppression system. Restaurant staff also used a fire extinguisher before the department’s arrival. Crews ventilated the building, checked for fire extension, and confirmed no active fire or hazards using thermal imaging cameras.