An early morning fire at the Pizza Hut on North Main Street in Culpeper is believed to have started by accident.
“The probable cause of the fire is electrical,” said police Lt. Chris Settle.
A passerby reported the blaze shortly after 7 a.m. The first firefighters on the scene found thick, black smoke coming from the brick façade building.
The restaurant was closed at the time and no employees were inside.
Settle said the fire apparently started near where electrical work had recently been done.
“After talking to witnesses and looking at evidence at the scene, it appeared that the fire smoldered for some period of time,” Settle said.
The majority of the fire damage appeared confined to the kitchen, with mostly water and smoke damage in the dining area. Settle said that no structural damage was evident.
Volunteer units from Culpeper, Brandy Station, Salem, Reva, Salem, Little Fork and Remington responded and firefighters remained on the scene until about 10:30 a.m. County career medics and volunteers from Culpeper County Volunteer Rescue Squad also responded.
Settle said that no damage estimates were available. The restaurant will remain closed until repairs are made.
Donnie Johnston:
djohnston@freelancestar.com