Western Salisbury Fire Department Chief Joshua Wells praised the efforts of first-on-the scene firefighters from Cetronia, Emmaus, and Western Salisbury fire departments for making a “quick stop” Jan. 20 to a fire within the walls at the entrance to the Taco Bell fast food restaurant, in front of South Mall, Salisbury Township.

Wells said the effort led to a “good save” that kept a smoky fire from spreading to the interior of the facility.

“We were fortunate to be able stop the fire, and that no one was injured in the incident,” Wells said.

Taco Bell employees contacted Lehigh County 911 Center just before 11 a.m. to report the “smell of something burning,” and smoke building in the interior of the facility.

They then left the building.

An engine from Emmaus Fire Department was first on the scene, and quickly connected to a nearby hydrant and laid a hose line to the facility.

Wells arrived moments later to establish command and direct the efforts of Cetronia, Emmaus, Lower Macungie and Western Salisbury firefighters.

The source of the smoke that began pushing from the entrance area was not immediately apparent, and firefighters had to probe into the roof and walls to find the flames hiding behind the building façade.

Wells also summoned the Woodlawn Fire Department’s air cascade unit to assist at the scene.

Salisbury and other area fire police units routed traffic away from the scene.

EMS units from Emmaus and Macungie responded, and Alburtis Fire Department sent a rapid intervention team as a precaution against any eventuality that might put interior firefighters at risk.

Salisbury Police Department Sgt. and Fire Marshal Donald Sabo, and Salisbury Sgt. Kevin Soberick began digging through debris looking for a cause of the incident shortly after Wells reported the fire under control at 11:30 a.m.