North Auburn’s McDonald’s restaurant was evacuated Monday morning after a fryer caught fire.

The fire temporarily closed the eatery, located near the corner of Bell Road and Highway 49. Placer Fire personnel arrived on scene to extinguish the blaze.

About 15 of the restaurant’s employees waited outside after the fire, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m.

The premises were evacuated because of an active fire in the fryer, said Battalion Chief Jeff Brand.

Estimated damage to the interior was about $2,000.

Brand said it was unknown how long the restaurant would be closed but that county building inspectors would be working with fire personnel to determine whether it could reopen as early as late Monday.

No injuries were reported.

– Gus Thomson