Investigators said on Monday that a fire that ruined a canal-side restaurant was arson.
The Old Canal Smoke House restaurant, located at 94 E. Waters St., caught fire at around 4 a.m., 10TV's Chuck Strickler reported.
Investigators said that the fire started at a vacant building next to the Smoke House and quickly spread.
One restaurant employee said that the fire was devastating to her employers.
"They put their whole lives into this place," Brooke Paul said. "They take care of us. We all look out for each other. It's a tragedy for them."
The Old Canal Smoke House restaurant was started in 2004 and sits on the bank of the Ohio and Erie Canal, Strickler reported.
Employees worked to salvage artwork from the structure. Fire officials said that no one was hurt.
“I’m still in shock,” Paul said. “I don’t know where we’re going to go from here. It looks like it is going to be a while before we can get back in. So, one step at a time.”
Chris Meade, who witnessed the fire, said that what happened was “tragic.’
“It’s a shame. Something like this is tragic,” Mead said. “It would happen to the folks who lived here. Put so much time and effort into making a really nice place to eat. It’s a tragic loss. Hopefully, they’ll get it back up and running again.”
The cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for more information.
Fire That Gutted Chillicothe Restaurant Ruled Arson
A family business is in ruins after a fire in Chillicothe's historic district. Get the story.