Partial Roof Collapse in IN Eatery Blaze

Sept. 19, 2018
Middlebury firefighters with aid from Bristol and Jefferson Township crews battled a restaurant blaze Tuesday that included a partial roof collapse.

Sept. 19 -- MIDDLEBURY, IN -- Investigators are still working to determine what caused a fire that destroyed a popular Middlebury restaurant Tuesday evening.

Middlebury Fire Chief Jeff Wogoman said firefighters were called to The Hilltop Restaurant, 14330 U.S. 20, at 6:11 p.m. Tuesday on report of a fire.

"When the first engines arrived on the scene, there was heavy smoke pouring from both sides of the building," Wogoman said. "Firefighters tried to make entry but the found heavy fire and heat. Eventually, they were forced to pull out and take a defensive stand."

In addition to Middlebury, firefighters from departments in Bristol, Jefferson Township and Shipshewana also assisted in putting out the flames.

The restaurant, a popular destination in Middlebury for decades, was full of people at the time the fire started. Wogoman said everyone was able to evacuate the building and there were no injuries.

Owners of the restaurant posted a message on their Facebook page Tuesday night.

"Words just can't describe the devastation our family feels tonight!" they wrote on Facebook. "Just two weeks shy of 40 years ago our mom and dad bought the restaurant from Ed and Ann Troyer. Over the last 40 years we have made so many friends and grown our 'family' and made so many wonderful memories."

The statement said they were grateful for the work of the firefighters, that everyone made it out safely and for the support and prayers of the community.

Wogoman said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. The restaurant, however, is a complete loss.

"There's nothing salvageable at all," he said.

___ (c)2018 the South Bend Tribune (South Bend, Ind.) Visit the South Bend Tribune (South Bend, Ind.) at www.southbendtribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!