JENSEN BEACH, Fla. — Part of a popular Martin County waterfront restaurant went up in flames early Wednesday morning because of discarded fireworks, authorities said.
Martin County Fire Rescue said crews responded to the Sand Dune Café, located in the 4100 block of Northeast Ocean Blvd., just after 3:30 a.m.
Investigators believe a fire started in a trash can after fireworks were thrown in there, and the flames eventually spread to the boardwalk, tearing a large hole in the wooden planks.
Our WPTV News crew at the scene said there's also extensive damage to an awning and part of an outer wall.
Martin County Fire Rescue said the flames were extinguished within minutes, and no one was hurt.
Commissioner Eileen Vargas expressed her disappointment upon seeing the extent of the damage.
"I think it's very careless for someone to come and ignite a substance that they know is combustible — especially (near) a wooden structure," Vargas said.
Vargas said work is already underway to fix the damage.
"The county is already working on this to get it back in shape for the beachgoers who love Jensen Beach," Vargas said.
The commissioner said there are cameras in the vicinity, and they will be reviewing the footage.
According to Martin County Fire Rescue, the state fire marshal is investigating the case.
