In the predawn hours of Jan. 6, the Essex Fire Department along with several other area departments from Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook responded to a report of flames erupting from the Black Seal Restaurant and second-floor apartments at 15c Main Street in downtown Essex.

As buildings in that area are shoulder-to-shoulder, there was concern that a small fire in one building could have easily become a large fire, spreading throughout the downtown. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, reducing additional damage and with no injuries reported.

The flames did, however ,cause enough damage to the restaurant to cause its closure. At press time, there was no concrete information as to when the eatery would be back in business. There were reports on Facebook that reconstruction would only take four to six weeks, however property owner Jacquie Wolf said it may take months.

“We are waiting for a structural engineer to come in,” said Wolff, who praised the Essex Fire Department for a job well done. “They got to the fire quickly and did a great job. I can not rave enough about how wonderful the department is.”

Wolff also praised Fire Marshal John Planas for his professionalism and attention to detail.

“He has gone above and beyond every step of the way,” she said.

The irony of the matter is that Planas was scheduled to inspect the four residential units attached to the Black Seal at 11 a.m. that same day as part of annual inspection of fire alarms and fire safety.

“After the fire was contained, he told me, ‘Jacquie I don’t think we will have our inspection today,’” Wolff said.

Smoke detectors and fire alarms in the residential units that alerted the inhabitants to the fire in the first place and were the reason for the swift reaction by firefighters.

Wolff said the investigation showed that the fire began in the kitchen of the Black Seal Restaurant and, because of the structure’s tin roof, did not spread. However, the fire did damage the kitchen and extended up the wooden frame into the attic, damaging the second-floor office and storage areas above the restaurant.

The Black Seal Restaurant has been a mainstay of the downtown area of Essex for over 31 years.

At press time, a notice on the window of the restaurant from the Essex Health Department read: “Due to fire damage this food service establishment is closed until further notice. Perishable food shall not be stocked or offered for sale. Food or beverage service shall not resume until this establishment is re-inspected by the Essex Health Department.

The owner of the Black Seal, Mauricio Salgar, could not be reached for comment.