Fire at Holland eatery linked to food on stove

A kitchen fire that closed a Chinese restaurant in Holland Thursday was caused by food left unattended on a stove, authorities said.

New Empire Restaurant, 6540 Centers Dr. was unoccupied at the time, according to the Springfield Township Fire Department.

Crews arriving about 6:30 a.m. found a small fire in the kitchen area, contained it, and extinguished it, according to the fire department.

The damage was estimated at $10,000, Fire Chief Barry Cousino said. The restaurant was closed for the day, the fire chief said.