THOMASTON — Quick work with fire extinguishers Monday afternoon kept a grease fire from spreading at F & A’s Market on Main Street in Thomaston.

Thomaston Fire and Ambulance were alerted to the fire in the market’s kitchen at 3:22 p.m. Fire Chief Mike Leo said the fire started in a deep fryer, which might have overheated.

“The lady said the fry-o-later was sitting there with the cover on it, and she turned away for a moment and then turned back and it was all on fire,” said Leo.

Leo said that the wall behind the deep fryer was covered with aluminum, which kept the fire from spreading to the wall.

“They put a fire extinguisher to it before we got there and that kept it in check,” said Leo. “We put more extinguishers on it and thought we had more fire, but luckily not.”

Leo said there were apartments adjacent to the market, and firefighters had to spend some time ensuring the fire had not spread behind any walls. He said the state Department of Agriculture will have to inspect the business due to the presence of food.

“There wasn’t any structural damage, just a loss of food. We felt we had more fire at the beginning, but then we realized we didn’t, which was good,” said Leo.

Two people were evaluated at the scene, due to possible smoke inhalation and other concerns, but nobody required or requested additional medical help.

Thomaston’s three engines, ladder and utility trucks responded to the call, which did not require mutual aid. Leo said 16 firefighters also responded, along with the ambulance and EMS personnel. They all cleared the scene about an hour later, around 4:30 p.m.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.