Investigators Return to Applebee’s After Overnight Fire
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Oct. 2, 2026) – A small fire at the Applebee’s restaurant on Graff Road Southeast in New Philadelphia caused limited damage early this morning.
New Philadelphia Fire Chief Jim Parrish says firefighters were called to 233 Graff Road Southeast around midnight after employees smelled smoke inside the building.
Firefighters found the fire outside, between the front door and a window. Applebee’s employees were trying to put it out when crews arrived, and firefighters extinguished it with a fire extinguisher.
Parrish says the fire did not get inside the restaurant, and the damage was limited to the exterior near the front door. The restaurant is open.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the New Philadelphia Police Department. Parrish says more information is expected as the investigation continues next week.