UPDATE Jan. 9 at 12:35 p.m.
NINE MILE FALLS, Wash. — A Mexican restaurant in the Suncrest area of Nine Mile Falls was heavily damaged by a fire.
According to Stevens County Fire District 1, firefighters received a report of an explosion and concerns that people may have been trapped inside the building.
Crews said that they arrived to find the former El Ranchito restaurant fully involved. Firefighters confirmed no one was inside at the time of the fire. The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and no injuries were reported.
Fire officials said that the damage to the former restaurant was extensive, while damage to the neighboring ice cream shop was limited to smoke.
Power was shut off to both sections of the strip mall but was restored to most businesses by noon.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, though firefighters said it does not appear suspicious.
Originally published on Jan. 9 at 10:35 a.m.
NINE MILE FALLS, Wash. — Stevens County firefighters are responding to an incident in the Suncrest area of Nine Mile Falls.
According to Spokane County Fire District 4, crews are helping Stevens County firefighters at the scene.
According to an employee at Storage Solutions, a business in the area, the incident took place at a Mexican restaurant nearby. The employee said he did not hear an explosion, but saw a fire.
NonStop Local KHQ is sending crews to gather more information from first responders.
