Cause Of Restaurant Fire Still Under Investigation

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The cause of a fire at Sion's Mexican Restaurant in Manhattan Beach on Monday is still under investigation, officials said. The blaze, which began at approximately 6 a.m., caused damage to Sion's kitchen and stopped traffic on Sepulveda Blvd. for about an hour.

"Fortunately, the fire was contained to a small area of the kitchen area, so the rest of the building was not damaged," Brian Yount, the public information officer for the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, told Patch. At this time, Yount said it's "safe to assume" that the fire started there.

Fortunately, no one was inside the building and no one was injured, Yount said.

Ironically, the fire was discovered by an LA County Fire official who happened to be driving by, Yount said. "He quickly radioed in the call to the L.A. County fire dispatch," he said. "The Manhattan Beach Department also got the call and arrived immediately."

Because the fire damage occurred in the kitchen, Yount said it might be a while before the restaurant is up and running again. "Once we put out the fire and investigate the cause, it's up to the restaurant to address fire-related damage and as well as to follow-up with the health department," Yount said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.