Vernon Plaza Fire Still Under Investigation

VERNON, CT — The fire that destroyed a popular Chinese restaurant and damaged adjacent businesses at the Post Road Plaza in Vernon remained under investigation Wednesday, an fire official said.

Deputy Fire Marshal William Call said several insurance agents were at the scene on Wednesday and the damage is stil2l being assessed. He said in addition to Oriental Café, which was totaled in the blaze, Minuteman Press and Legacy Kitchen and Bath also sustained damage.

The fire broke out at 11:59 p.m. Monday, was under control at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and the scene was secured 30 minutes after that, officials said. Flames were shooting through the roof when fire crews arrived, officials said.

One veteran official said it was as extensive an interior fire as he's seen.Vernon Town Manager and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said the quick response by fire and police crews prevented "potential catastrophic damage" to the plaza.

Photo Credit: Tim Jensen; Chris Dehnel

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