Oven Fire Closes Ringwood Pizza Shop

More than 40 pizzas were stacked directly on top of an oven at Luigi's Pizza & Restaurant in Ringwood when a small flame ignited on Friday, Oct. 31.

The fire occurred during the peak Halloween rush, while staff managed orders and deliveries. Anthony Martinelli, who was assisting drivers on the far side of the counter, spotted the flame in the back corner. The restaurant said on Facebook that Martinelli’s position allowed him to see the fire before it could spread further. "If Anthony was not helping the drivers and standing on the other side of the counter, that flame would’ve gone unnoticed for longer and who knows what could have happened from there," the post read.

No one was injured, and the damage to the building was described as minimal. The restaurant credited Martinelli with preventing the situation from escalating. Police and firefighters responded to the scene, and neighboring businesses offered assistance while the shop was shut down.

Luigi's cannot reopen until an inspector approves the premises. The restaurant stated the review process could take several days and that a specific return date has not been set. Management thanked customers who reached out by phone, text, or in person to check on the team. "Thank you guys for everything. Luigi’s forever," the restaurant concluded.