Mexican restaurant in Cedar Rapids damaged in fire

A Mexican restaurant in northeast Cedar Rapids was damaged in a fire that happened just after midnight Thursday morning, according to a press release from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

The fire department responded to the fire on the roof of La Cantina Bar and Grill, at 5400 Edgewood Road NE, at 12:32 a.m. Thursday. A passerby had noticed the fire and called 911. Firefighters brought the blaze under control quickly using ladders and aerial apparatus to extend hose lines to the roof.

No one was in the restaurant at the time of the fire and most of the damage was on the roof, although there was minor damage to the interior of the building as well.

The press release does not state how the fire is believed to have started, but does say it was found in and around mechanical equipment on the roof of the building.

The restaurant acknowledged the fire in a post on Facebook, stating, “we will be back open in no time! Watch our page for updates!” and inviting people to visit its Marion location instead, at 3217 7th Ave, Marion, IA 52302.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com