Cause of fire at Noodles and Company likely ‘suspicious,’ Columbia Fire Department says
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The cause of a March 17 fire at a restaurant in downtown Columbia "appears to be suspicious,” according to a Wednesday press release from the Columbia Fire Department.
A spokeswoman for CFD said the department could not specify why the fire is suspicious, due to it being an ongoing investigation.
No injuries were reported in the fire at Noodles and Company, in the 400 block of Ninth Street, fire officials previously said. While the cause and origin investigation is ongoing. The cause and origin were not stated in the release.
“The fire marshals are asking the public to help gather information regarding anyone seen in the alleyway between the apartment complex located directly north of Noodles and Company from approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16 to 7 a.m Sunday, March 17,” the release states.
According to previous reporting, crews responded to the fire at 7:03 a.m. March 17, fought a fire that was on the inside and on the outside of the building, and brought the fire under control within 25 minutes.
Multiple employees from businesses near the restaurant told ABC 17 News they had not seen or heard anything suspicious the night prior to, or morning of the fire. One employee at Domino's said she recalled seeing numerous firetrucks the morning of, and noticed the generators to Domino's were off, which she believed could have been connected to the fire.
A sign posted to the business' door following the fire stated it would be temporarily closed. It was still closed as of Wednesday evening.
ABC 17 News obtained an inspection report from the City of Columbia noting numerous trusses burned through, a sagging roof and damage to wood storage area located in the back of the restaurant.
"A Missouri Licensed Engineer will have to provide structural report to the City prior to any repairs or permits applied for," the report states. "The building must remain secure and safe from further damage and harming anyone."
ABC 17 News reached out to the owner of the building, Travis McGee for comment. He was not available Wednesday afternoon.
