The early hours of Monday, November 30 were dangerously busy for local firefighters. As disclosed by Fire Chief Jack Collier, Bell County 911 dispatch received a call from a passerby just before 12:00 a.m. regarding an apparent fire at the Texas Grill BBQ and Crab Shack, 110 West Veterans Memorial Boulevard. 

Both the Harker Heights and Killeen Fire Departments responded to the call.

Collier described the conditions as difficult, necessitating a firefighter attack through the rear entry of the building. The severity of the situation rapidly increased, and firefighters were forced to enter a defensive approach to contain the blaze and prevent it from further spreading.

Once in this defense, firefighters were able to contain and manage the fire within about 45 minutes.

At this time, no final determination has been made regarding the area of origin and cause of the fire. Laboratory investigations are estimated to provide further insight by the start of next week.

No injuries occurred as a result of the incident.