LEBANON, Mo. (KY3) – Multiple fire crews responded to a McDonald’s restaurant in Lebanon Saturday afternoon.
The building is located at 850 S. Jefferson Ave.
According to Lebanon Deputy Fire Chief Andy Woody, the blaze started just after 4 p.m. Firefighters on scene only saw light smoke at first. But once they opened the false ceiling, Woody said that’s when they found the fire.
“These buildings are known to have significant fires that go undetected for a length of time,” said Woody. “Initially, we tried to fight the fire on the inside. We had to pull firefighters out and take a defensive posture.”
Crews said everyone inside the restaurant at the time of the fire made it out safely and no firefighters were hurt in the hours-long response.
Deputy Fire Chief Woody said the fire is out, but crews are expected to stay on scene throughout the night. Woody said that the fire appears to have started in the kitchen. The building is a total loss; however, the owners have told Woody that they plan to rebuild.
KY3 weather camera in Lebanon showed smoke coming from the McDonald’s just after 5:30 p.m(ky3)
The KY3 weather camera in Lebanon showed smoke coming from the McDonald’s just after 5:30 p.m. Footage from Tori Howe also shows heavy flames coming out of the restaurant as crews were battling the blaze.
A state fire investigator is looking into what caused the fire.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2026 KY3. All rights reserved.