Hungry Hippo Cafe temporarily closes after fire in unused part of building

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Firefighters responded to a structure fire Tuesday evening at the Hungry Hippo Restaurant on King Avenue in Portageville.

According to Portageville Fire & Rescue, crews were dispatched around 5 p.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the single-story commercial building. Firefighters established a water supply and began an interior attack.

Officials said the fire originated in a storage room at the back of the restaurant. Crews were able to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to the main dining area.

Firefighters remained on scene until about 10 p.m. extinguishing hotspots. The building sustained moderate damage to the rear, along with smoke damage throughout.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office has been requested to investigate the cause of the fire.

Restaurant owners said the fire was limited to an unused portion of the building and did not damage kitchen equipment. The business will temporarily close for cleanup and repairs but plans to reopen.