Fire Engulfs The Windjammer Restaurant in South Burlington, Vermont
March 25, 2025 – South Burlington, VT – A devastating fire broke out at The Windjammer Restaurant, one of Vermont’s most beloved dining establishments,
late Monday night. The historic restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance, aged steaks, and fresh seafood, was quickly consumed by flames, leaving behind only a charred skeleton of what was once a thriving culinary landmark.
Eyewitness Accounts
The fire reportedly started around 11:45 p.m., just as the last of the kitchen staff were closing up for the night. Nearby residents noticed smoke rising from the restaurant’s roof and immediately called 911.
“I was driving home from work when I saw smoke billowing into the sky,” said Jake Callahan, a South Burlington resident. “At first, I thought it was just fog, but then I saw the flames flickering through the windows. It was horrifying.”
Within minutes, the fire had spread through the entire building, fueled by the restaurant’s wooden interior and the grease from the kitchen. The strong winds of the late winter night carried embers to nearby trees, prompting firefighters to act quickly to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
A Desperate Battle Against the Flames
South Burlington Fire Chief Michael Reynolds described the fire as “one of the most aggressive blazes” the town had seen in years. “By the time our units arrived, the fire was already out of control. We had to focus on containing it rather than saving the structure.”
Over 40 firefighters from multiple departments responded to the scene, battling the flames for nearly four hours before bringing the inferno under control. Despite their best efforts, the building was deemed a total loss.
A Community in Shock
For over 40 years, The Windjammer Restaurant had been a staple of the South Burlington community. Originally opened in 1977, the restaurant was known not just for its food but also for the memories it created. Families gathered for birthdays, couples celebrated anniversaries, and regulars considered it their second home.
“This is heartbreaking,” said longtime customer Linda Foster. “I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary here. My parents used to bring me when I was a kid, and now I bring my own children. To see it gone like this is just devastating.”
The Cause of the Fire
Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the fire. Early reports suggest that it may have started in the kitchen, possibly due to an electrical issue or an unnoticed grease buildup. However, officials have not ruled out other possibilities, including accidental human error.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation,” said Fire Marshal Daniel Collins. “At this point, we do not suspect foul play, but we need to go through all the evidence before making any conclusions.”
Hope Amidst the Ashes
Despite the tragedy, the owners of The Windjammer, the Kelleher family, have expressed their determination to rebuild. In a statement released Tuesday morning, they thanked the community for its overwhelming support and pledged to restore the restaurant.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our family and our staff, many of whom have been with us for decades,” the statement read. “The Windjammer has always been more than just a restaurant—it’s been a place of warmth, love, and community. While we grieve this loss, we are committed to rebuilding and welcoming everyone back in the future.”
Fundraisers and Community Support
In the wake of the fire, community members have already begun organizing fundraisers to support the restaurant’s employees, many of whom are now without jobs. A GoFundMe page was launched within hours of the fire, quickly raising thousands of dollars in donations.
“We want to make sure the staff is taken care of while the restaurant is being rebuilt,” said local business owner Mark Jensen, who helped set up the fundraiser. “They’ve given so much to this town, and now it’s our turn to give back.”
Local businesses have also stepped in to offer temporary employment to displaced Windjammer employees, ensuring they can continue working while the future of the restaurant is determined.
A Symbol of Resilience
While the loss of The Windjammer Restaurant is a significant blow to South Burlington, the response from the community has been nothing short of inspiring. Residents have come together to mourn, to support one another, and to ensure that their beloved restaurant rises from the ashes.
“This isn’t the end,” said Linda Foster. “The Windjammer is too important to this town. It will come back, stronger than ever.”
As investigators continue their work and the community bands together, one thing is certain: the spirit of The Windjammer Restaurant will live on, even in the face of tragedy.
Leave a Reply