A worker preparing food for an event Friday evening at the American Legion Post 245 watched in horror as the fryer caught fire and the fire quickly spread of control, according to Jefferson Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen.

The fire suppression equipment apparently failed to stop the rapidly spreading flames and the worker tried to knock back the blaze with a fire extinguisher to no avail, the mayor said,

"A police officer also tried with a fire extinguisher but that too didn't work," Wilsusen said. "By the time the fire department got there, it was a totally engulfed."

The 6,000 square foot building is a total loss, he added. The fire, which started around 11:15 a.m., was under control by 12:30 p.m.

The fire was so intense that despite having fire hydrants available, firefighters set up relays to pump additional water to try knock out the fire and two ladder trucks were used to spray water on the flames, he said.

As a result, the township warned residents about potential disruptions.

"Due to the Espanong Road fire residents may experience disruptions and/or discoloring," a post on the town's website said. "For discoloring remediation run tub faucet until clear."

The two-story building, which tax records indicate was built in 1950, started late Friday morning as firefighters from Jefferson Township and mutual aid came from surrounding towns went to assist getting the blaze under control.

Wilsusen said there were two people in the post at time of the fire. Both got out and no firefighters were injured.