COITSVILLE Authorities look for cause of Bulls Eye Restaurant fire
About 100 firefighters battled the blaze in the bitter weather.
COITSVILLE -- The cause of a fire that destroyed the Bulls Eye Restaurant, 6965 McCartney Road, Thursday is still under investigation, but not listed as suspicious, according to Chris Manack, assistant township fire chief.
The fire, which was reported about 7 a.m. and kept firefighters on the scene for 12 hours, originated toward the back of the restaurant in the kitchen or in an office area while the restaurant was closed, he said.
About 100 firefighters from at least 13 Ohio and Pennsylvania fire departments fought the blaze in bitter cold weather, and U.S. Route 422 was blocked in both directions for about four hours during firefighting efforts.
Estimated damage
Damage is estimated at more than $500,000 to the restaurant and its contents combined, Manack said. Owner Wayne King told firefighters he can't rebuild the same size restaurant for the $500,000 in insurance coverage he carried and is considering replacing it with a smaller building. Manack noted.
Firefighters were able to preserve undamaged the motel and cottages behind the restaurant, and there were no injuries, Manack said.
The fire disrupted telephone service to about 50 customers on State Line Road. SBC repair crews were still installing new lines Thursday evening to replace those that were cut or burned in the blaze, Manack said.
Shelter for firefighters was provided by a Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency mobile command post, a WRTA bus and the Barnstone Ministries church on State Line Road. The church, the Red Cross and three local food establishments provided food for firefighters.