Fire Department

The Madison Fire Department was called to Merchant, located at 121 S. Pinckney St., for smoke in the kitchen.
 
Crews were dispatched at 5:55 p.m. as multiple callers also reported smoke coming from a vent outside the restaurant.
 
Firefighters saw no fire upon arrival, and smoke appeared to be dissipating, but restaurant staff said there were sparks seen earlier.
 
The vent where the smoke was seen is attached to an exhaust fan ventilating the kitchen hood. Crews removed ceiling tiles and thoroughly searched the kitchen hood and ducts using their thermal imaging camera.
 
They found no fire or high-heat hot spots, but firefighters did identify some grease buildup under the ductwork.
 
Engine 1 advised restaurant management not to re-open until the system was cleaned and inspected.