UPDATE: A fire at the Sonic drive-in restaurant in Hasbrouck Heights closed part of Route 17 this morning and was quickly knocked down.
The fire in the kitchen’s hot oil system and spread to the walls and ventilation system and went to a second alarm after a Sonic employee flagged down a passing HHPD officer around 8 a.m.
An emergency responder at the scene initially reported heavy smoke conditions but no visible fire.
The blaze was extinguished less than 15 minutes later.
One lane of Route 17 was eventually reopened, with the other lanes expected to follow within minutes.
Firefighters from Little Ferry, Lodi, Moonachie, Wallington and Wood-Ridge assisted.
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