Starkville Fire Department officials say a malfunctioning extension cord in Cappe’s Steakhouse caused a May 16 fire.
Both SFD Chief Charles Yarbrough and Fire Marshal Stein McMullen confirmed the suspected cause last week. McMullen said investigators discovered the damaged device that “apparently arced and started the fire.”
Firefighters from four of the city’s five stations were dispatched to the 105 Eckford Drive restaurant about 11:30 p.m. on the night of the incident.
Although it took first responders about 10 minutes to knock down the blaze, a significant amount of the kitchen was damaged by heat and smoke, McMullen said.
Operators of the restaurant’s social media accounts posted updates saying the steakhouse will not “be open for business at this time.”
Owners confirmed they are waiting to hear from insurance adjusters before determining when the restaurant will reopen.
Established in 1993, Cappe’s moved to its current location eight years later.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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