A stove-top fire at Cello’s Italian Restaurant at 209 E. Grand River Ave. in downtown Howell at about 4 p.m. Wednesday caused Grand River Avenue to be shut down for an hour, snarling traffic throughout the area.
The fire, which began as employees prepped food for the evening service, was put out with multiple fire extinguishers and did not extend into the restaurant, according to the Howell Area Fire Department; however, smoke and fire extinguisher material spread throughout the dining area.
According to a release from the HAFD, the kitchen’s fire suppression and hood system were tagged out of service for equipment deficiencies in June 2026 by a state licensed fire suppression and hood contractor.
On Wednesday, the HAFD Fire Marshal Division inspected Cello’s roof, as well as its neighboring buildings, and determined that the fire had not spread.
Coordinated follow-up with the HAFD’s Fire Marshal Division, the City of Howell Building Department, and Consumer Powers will occur next week.
