CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A popular Southwest Florida restaurant, The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, was destroyed the night it reopened following Hurricane Milton after a massive fire erupted and tore through the building.
It happened Thursday night on Driftwood Parkway. According to the Cape Coral Fire Department, the fire happened just after closing time.
CBS affiliate WINK News spoke with the fire department's battalion chief Ian Milliken who reportedly said three employees were finishing up their closing duties when the fire broke out in the kitchen. The employees reportedly tried to put out the blaze but the wind fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread.
Everyone was able to get out safely and no one was hurt, fire crews said.
The wind, coupled with the restaurant's thatched roof and fully restocked alcohol for the bar, made it hard for the firefighters fighting the blaze, the department said.
Fire crews also reportedly had issues getting water to put out the fire. WINK reported there was only one fire hydrant near the restaurant and crews had to use river water to help extinguish the flames. The department said it utilized its fire boat to help attack the blaze.
The fire was eventually put out, leaving the charred remains of the restaurant.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation and crews are still monitoring the site on Friday.
On Thursday morning, The Boathouse posted on its Facebook page announcing it had officially reopened to customers, saying "Paradise is calling your name" and telling people to "Grab the crew and sail in today!"
The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill also has a location in Fort Myers.
The Boathouse management team said a verified GoFundMe has been set up to help support the restaurant's staff.