MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Early Tuesday morning, local authorities responded to reports of smoke and an alarm at El Campesino restaurant at 160 McMahan Blvd. At 4:29 a.m., firefighters from Engine 313 arrived on the scene to investigate the source of the burning smell.
Upon entering the restaurant, they encountered smoke but no visible flames. However, upon forcing entry into the adjacent business, they were greeted by heavy smoke and intense heat. Quickly establishing command, the crew advanced with a thermal imaging camera to locate the source of the problem and discovered significant fire in the storage area above the ceiling.
The fire was brought under control within three minutes of firefighters’ arrival, and crews immediately began checking for any signs of extension to prevent further damage. The Marion Township Fire Department is currently investigating the incident with the assistance of the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Thanks to the swift and aggressive interior attack by the firefighters, the damage was minimized. However, extensive smoke damage throughout the complex has raised concerns for surrounding businesses, including Buckeye Optical and Penn Station, which may experience operational disruptions.
Business owners are advised to call ahead before visiting, as the impact of the smoke damage continues to be assessed.