Lincoln Fire & Rescue investigators have declared Monday’s fire at a Lincoln Mexican restaurant, Cielito Lindo, as suspicious.
Fire crews arrived and found the restaurant, located at 100 N 1st Street, engulfed in heavy black smoke around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, June 19th.
Suspicions arose from LFR investigators said the front door seemed to be broken out when crews arrived, however it is under investigation whether that was from the heat or not.
The Lincoln Police Department is participating in the investigation also.
No one was inside at the time. Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the building and $250,000 to the contents of the restaurant.
LFR Public Information Officer MJ Lierman released a statement saying Cielito Lindo, “is OPEN for business on the WEST end of the strip mall. The unit on the east side that had the Fire damage was used more for storage of supplies and things. I was made aware of this detail by the Fire inspector today and did confirm with the owner.”