Fire crews battled flames that engulfed the Boathouse Tiki bar and Grill near the Cape Coral Yacht Club on Thursday night.
The Cape Coral Fire Department responded to the scene on Driftwood Parkway around 9:40 p.m.
The fire is believed to have sparked in the kitchen after the restaurant was closed and employees called it in. Firefighters fought the flames for several hours.
Crews say there was a heavy fuel load, including the thatched roof, fully restocked alcohol for the bar and the windy conditions.
Those factors caused challenges for the firefighters who used handlines, elevated master stream and the fire boat to attack the fire from the river side of the restaurant.
According to reports, there was only one fire hydrant available and crews had to use water from the Caloosahatchee River.
“We did have multiple issues with, water supplies down here. There was only one fire hydrant available. So then we also resorted to taking water out of the of the river to help fight fire. And at one point we did have a boat on scene that was helping fight the fire with the boat, too,” Milliken said.
Crews say the fire is contained, but firefighters are working to put out any flare ups and hot spots. Firefighters did all they could, but according to Cape Coral Fire Battalion Chief Ian Milliken – the restaurant is a total loss.
The Cape Coral Boathouse restaurant reopened on Thursday following Hurricane Milton.
NBC2 has spoken with Cape Coral residents who say they are heartbroken with the loss of the restaurant.
“My husband and I have been here for just about four years, and that was our first restaurant. That way everyone. Two anniversaries, birthdays, and it’s gone. I can’t believe it’s just all gone. It’s horrible,” Cape Coral resident Kim Messina said.
Cape Coral Fire Inspectors and the State Fire Marshals Office completed their investigation where they say the cause is undetermined, but they are unable to rule out electrical. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
“My thoughts are with all that are involved to the employees, they have no work right now. And yeah, I hope they will recover and come back for everybody,” Cape Coral resident Elizabeth Reitinger said.
Firefighters will remain on scene throughout the day to put out any hot spots that may arise.
You can count on NBC2 to provide updates as they are received.
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Source: nbc-2
