Fire destroys Mandeville restaurant and bar on Ward Avenue

A fire on Ward Avenue in Mandeville destroyed sections of a restaurant and a bar early Saturday, leaving the owner of Newsman Fried Chicken estimating his losses at about $10 million.

Firefighters said they were alerted around 4:15 Saturday morning that Newsman Fried Chicken and No Traction Chill Spot were burning. The blaze was brought under control and put out shortly after 6:00.

Newsman Fried Chicken owner Decoe Miller said he was called about the fire around 4:25 and arrived to see heavy flames coming from the neighbouring building, on the bar side. From outside, he first thought his business had suffered only partial damage, but a closer look showed the inside had been completely burned.

“I lost everything,” Miller said, describing the damage as “a great loss” and “a great blow.” He said the fire appeared to have moved from the bar next door through the roof and then down into his restaurant.

Miller said firefighters checked his side of the property and did not find that the fire started there. He also said the flames did not reach the gas lines or a large, recently installed gas tank at the back of the premises, which he believed could have made the situation worse.

The business, he said, sold fried chicken and sandwiches and employed four people, who are now without work. Miller also said the loss came on a difficult day for him personally, as he was preparing to bury his stepfather.

Up to news time, investigations were still under way. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.