Update: Suspicious fire at Esmeralda's

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - The Monticello Fire Department completed its investigation of a weekend restaurant fire.

Captain Robert Hickman said the department ruled the fire "suspicious."

He says when the crew arrived at Esmeralda's Pancake House and Restaurant on Main Street just after 5:30 p.m. Sunday morning.  He said they found the back door standing open.  Hickman said that entrance leads into the kitchen and the door appeared to be forced open.

The State Fire Marshal took samples from the business and sent them to a lab for further investigation, according to Hickman.

Hickman said the case is now a criminal investigation and will be handled by the Monticello Police Department.

Sunday, Firefighters arrived at Esmeralda's Pancake House and Restaurant to find smoke showing from the building, according to Capt. Stephen Fisher.

Fisher said the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes.  Mutual aid was requested and received from Reynolds and Idaville for an engine company.

The building sustained heavy smoke damage throughout the structure, Fisher said.

Capt. Hickman said the fire seemed suspicious at that time.

There were no injuries from the fire.

The business owner is Jose Serna, of Monon Indiana, according to the fire department.