A fire destroyed a longtime Cleveland business Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 14.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., the Cleveland Fire Department was dispatched to Reyes Mexican Grill, located at 810 N. Washington Ave., after heavy smoke was observed coming through the roofline, according to Cleveland Fire Chief Sean Anderson.
Firefighters made an offensive attack inside the building in an effort to suppress the fire. Crews attempted to access a second-story storage area but were forced back down the stairwell due to extreme heat and heavy smoke conditions, Anderson said.
Firefighters then attempted to access the fire through the roof; however, multiple layers of roofing hindered those efforts. Crews ultimately gained access to the second floor by cutting openings through exterior walls on both ends of the building. Despite those efforts, the fire had already caused extensive damage, and the structure is now considered a total loss.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Anderson said. One person – a bystander – was injured, he added, but not by the fire. No other injuries were reported.
Anderson noted the building has been a fixture in Cleveland for many years. It previously housed a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, followed by another restaurant, before being taken over by the Reyes family.
As firefighters worked to bring the fire under control, employees gathered across the street, watching as the restaurant they worked in was destroyed.
Fire departments from East Montgomery County, Porter, Plum Grove, and Tarkington assisted the Cleveland Fire Department at the scene.
