Fire Marshal, Police Investigate Suspicious Fire at Rustic Grille

Police Sgt. Jay Torreso was on routine patrol at 3:33 Monday morning when he noticed smoke while driving around the back of the shopping center that houses Rustic Grille at 494 Main Street.

Lt. Brian McCauley said smoke was coming from the prep area, a small shed area behind the restaurant.

Stepney, Monroe and Stevenson volunteer firefighters were called to the scene and were able to quickly control the fire and the limit the damage to the rear roof, and the kitchen area of the restaurant under the direction of Stepney Fire Chief Mike Klemish, according to a press release issued by Kevin Catalano, a Monroe firefighter.

The fire did not extend to any of the other half dozen businesses that share the 8,000 square foot shopping center, which dates back to 1950. All of the businesses were closed at the time of the fire and no firefighters were injured, Catalano said.

In addition to Rustic Grille, the center also houses Eastern Tile & Stone, Forgotten Treasures Consignment, Pretty Nails & Spa, Frank's Barber Stylists and State Farm Insurance.

Monroe Fire Marshal Bill Davin is investigating the cause, and is being assisted by the State of Connecticut Fire Marshal's Office and the Monroe Police Department.

At this time, it appears that the fire originated outside of the rear of the restaurant. Investigators are considering all possible causes, but have labeled the fire suspicious because while at the fire scene, police officers noted some damage and suspicious activity at another business located in the same shopping plaza.

McCauley said the front window to Frank's Barber Stylists was broken.

Route 25 was closed for about an hour due to hoses being stretched across the road. Most firefighters cleared the scene by 5:15 am.

The fire departments' response included two engines, two ladder trucks and a rescue truck.