Coralville Perkins sustains $500,000 in fire damage

Jul. 1, 2021 9:19 am, Updated: Jul. 1, 2021 7:39 pm

An overnight fire at Perkins on First Avenue in Coralville caused an estimated $500,000 damage. Photographed in Coralville on Thursday, July 1, 2021. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

CORALVILLE — A fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage to a Coralville restaurant Wednesday night.

An overnight fire at Perkins on First Avenue in Coralville caused an estimated $500,000 damage. Photographed in Coralville on Thursday, July 1, 2021. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

Crews were called to a fire at Perkins, 819 First Avenue, around 11:15 p.m.

The Coralville Fire Department said in a news release the fire was mostly contained to the roof and was put out in about 30 minutes. Firefighters remained on the scene until about 3 a.m.

In addition to the roof damage, the building sustained “heavy smoke and extensive water damage,” the release said. .

The cause of the fire is thought to be accidental, but remains under investigation.

The Coralville Fire Department was assisted by the Iowa City and North Liberty fire departments, Coralville police and the Johnson County Ambulance Service.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com