Fall River restaurant closes indefinitely, 5 families left without home after fire

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A Fall River restaurant is closed indefinitely and five families were left without a home after a fire broke out Tuesday.

The fire happened just before 6 p.m. at a building on South Main Street.

Bruce Deslaurier of Fall River Tattoo Company across the street said they sheltered roughly 15 customers while crews battled the blaze.

“It was in the back of the building,” said Deslaurier. “So, it was kind of towards Dunkin… flames and smoke pouring out of that”

When firefighters arrived Tuesday, they saw heavy flames and smoke coming from the back of the building — that houses Marisqueira Azores Restaurant and apartments.

Firefighters said five adults and seven children were displaced after the flames tore through five of the apartments. Two firefighters were injured from falling debris. They were treated and released.

In total, about $200,000 worth of damage was done.

The owners of Marisqueira Azores wrote on social media Wednesday that they hope the closure isn’t long.

“We are really looking forward to keep bringing to our customers and community in general the good food and service we’ve been doing for the last 18 years,” they said.  “Once again, thank you very much for all the support.”

The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known.