Lewiston fire origin traced to second floor

LEWISTON – A fire that burned through the upper floors of a building housing an Italian restaurant appears to have started on the second floor, investigators said.

“It was hard to pinpoint the point of origin because of the destruction we faced,” said fire investigator Paul Ouellette. Fire Chief Michel Lajoie said inspectors were examining an electrical outlet near a second-floor landing.

Damage to the three-story building housing Marco’s Restaurant on Lisbon Street, in the heart of the downtown, was estimated at $300,000.

The two upstairs floors, which were used for storage, were destroyed, while the restaurant had extensive smoke and water damage, according to investigators.

No injuries were reported in the Tuesday night fire. The restaurant was closed at the time to allow workers to take their yearly vacation.