A restaurant on De Soto’s Main Street was damaged by fire early Monday morning, June 8, but plans are under way to repair the business.
De Soto Rural Fire Chief Tom Fitzgerald said a passing motorist called 911 at 1:39 a.m. Monday to report a fire at the Dog House restaurant, 306 N. Main St.
Fitzgerald said the kitchen, office, storage room and freezer area had heavy fire damage and the rest of the building had heavy smoke damage.
He said the fire was contained to the Dog House, but smoke spread to the adjacent businesses, as well as the upstairs apartments. No injuries were reported.
“It’s repairable, but not quickly,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m glad it wasn’t worse. The first-in crews (city and rural) were very aggressive and were able to get it knocked down pretty quickly, which made all the difference.”
He said an investigation determined the fire started in the area of computer equipment in the office. He said the fire was not suspicious in nature.
“We appreciate the quick response of the De Soto Fire Department,” said Jim Thomas, who owns the building. “We are glad no one was hurt. I’d say it’s a setback, but we will be back. We spent two years renovating before the restaurant opened, so we know there is some work ahead of us.
“People love the restaurant and the family that runs it. We will work hard to get it back up and running.”
Assisting the De Soto Fire Department were Festus and Crystal City fire departments, De Soto Rural, Hillsboro, Hematite, Mapaville, Jefferson R-7, Cedar Hill, Big River, Potosi and Antonia fire protection districts and the Valle Ambulance District. The Saline Valley and High Ridge fire protection districts and Farmington Fire Departments handled other calls during the fire.