Fire damages exterior of Michigan Bar and Grill

Michigan Bar and Grill, a popular Monroe restaurant, is expected to remain open today following a fire Thursday night that was limited to the exterior of the building.

Chief Mark Cherney of the Monroe Township Fire Department reported that police officers were on the scene around 11:45 p.m. Thursday and used fire extinguishers to help suppress the flames. They, along with responding firefighters, helped prevent the fire from causing extensive damage.

"It could have been a lot worse," Cherney said.

Pete Rendina, whose family owns the restaurant at 1140 S. Monroe St., wrote on Facebook that he expects to be open Friday.

"Michigan Grill suffered some fire damage but majority is exterior. They will be open today regular hours. Thank you everyone for the concern and continued support!" he wrote.

The Monroe County Health Department must inspect and approve the opening. It was unclear if that was the case by this morning.

Cherney said it's possible a lighted cigarette could have caused a bush to catch fire on the north side of the front of the building. He added that there were no indications arson was involved.

Flames engulfed the bush and began to spread up the facing of the structure. However, Cherney said firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before significant damage could occur.

"They knocked it down pretty good," Cherney said.

Some smoke seeped into the attic, but Cherney said it was minor. He said firefighters used heat sensors to detect hot spots, but none was found. The interior was not affected.

"We wanted to make sure there was no fire extension," he said.

Monroe Township firefighters were on the scene until around 2:30 a.m. to make certain all hot areas were extinguished. They were assisted at the scene by the City of Monroe and LaSalle Township.

Members of the Michigan State Police of the Monroe post and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office were on the scene.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Fire damages exterior of Michigan Bar and Grill