People watch from the Montana grille and Rafferty's headquarters across from the restaurant as Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters battle a blaze Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at Montana Grille. (Miranda Pederson/Daily News)

New at 5:42 p.m.: Bowling Green firefighters are battling a blaze this afternoon at Montana Grille restaurant.

Marlee Boenig, spokeswoman for the Bowling Green Fire Department, said that firefighters responded around 4 p.m. to the Scottsville Road eatery.

Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the back of Montana Grille, and firefighters in a ladder truck sprayed at the fire from above.

Boenig said the fire appeared to be concentrated in the kitchen area.

Anthony Malkowski, corporate chef for Montana Grille, said that employees were preparing to open for the night when some of them saw smoke inside.

Malkowski said he was not sure what caused the fire.

No patrons were inside the restaurant at the time, and all the employees were able to escape safely.

“Thank God no one else was here when it happened,” Malkowski said.

Montana Grille employees will be transferred to other restaurants affiliated with Rafferty’s Inc. and will work there until Montana Grille reopens, Malkowski said.

Earlier: A fire broke out at Montana Grille about 4 p.m. this afternoon.

Shortly after, multiple photos began streaming into @joeimel and photo editor Miranda Pederson and reporter Justin Story headed to the scene at 1740 Scottsville Road.

Pederson said at 4:34 p.m. flames were still coming from the roof.

At the time Bowling Green Fire Department was focusing on the back of restaurant.

Employees were gathered in a parking lot across the way, and another ladder truck has just entered the parking lot. BGFD says the fire appears to be concentrated in the kitchen area.

Two firefighters were on the roof after 5 p.m., one with a hatchet trying to create an opening. A firefighter in a ladder truck is spraying from above.