MIAMI – A fire ripped through an upscale Miami pizza restaurant Monday afternoon, causing significant damage.
Sky 10 was overhead as firefighters doused the blaze at the Olde River Pizzeria and Tavern at 620 NE 78th St. The restaurant is located on the Miami River, just east of Biscayne Boulevard.
Firefighters dispatched to the restaurant just after 2:30 p.m. They arrived to find flames coming from the patio behind the restaurant, but said they were able to get the fire under control in about 10-15 minutes.
Major fire damage was seen on the back patio and a large section of the inside appeared to be gutted.
An employee said the restaurant had been closed since Sunday night. He said he noticed flames coming from the patio area and evacuated the building. He then helped a boat captain remove a boat from the dock area before the fire could reach it.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but investigators said they are focusing on a wood-burning stove.
@MiamiPD @CityofMiamiFire investigating after Old River Pizza & Tavern catches fire. Owner: it's suspicious. Biz was closed @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/SfyuYkxlYB
— Andrew Perez (@AndrewPerezWPLG) February 20, 2017