UPDATE: Simcoe restaurant destroyed by fire

Fire crews battle blaze at restaurant near Simcoe

A Simcoe restaurant was destroyed by fire on Thursday afternoon.

Norfolk County firefighters and other emergency personnel responded to a fire at the Sakura Sushi restaurant at 868 Norfolk St S, at about 4 pm

Firefighters from five Norfolk stations – Simcoe, Waterford, Port Dover, Vittoria and Delhi – fought to contain the fire and prevent its spread to an attached home, said Cory Armstrong-Smith, Norfolk County Fire Prevention Officer.

It’s believed the fire started in the kitchen area, but no cause has yet been determined.

“The restaurant was closed at the time of ignition, and all employees escaped unharmed,” Armstrong-Smith said in a media release.

The residence was not damaged, but the “restaurant appears to be a total loss,” he said.

The investigation will continue on Friday.

It’s not known if the structure was insured, said Armstrong-Smith.

The restaurant is located on the outskirts of Simcoe. Highway 24 East between St. Johns Road East and Lynn Valley Road was closed for several hours.

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