JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The State Fire Marshal said the Tuesday morning fire at Picnic Pizza started when a pizza oven was left on high overnight, engulfing pizza boxes near the oven.
"At closing time last night, the owner indicated they normally leave the oven at a lower setting," said State Fire Marshal Investigator Andy Redding. "It was figured out that the oven was left on at a higher setting and there were many combustible materials like pizza boxes in the area of the oven. From there, it affected the remainder of the building."
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The State Fire Marshal said the fire started around 2 a.m. Pressure washers who arrived at the plaza noticed the fire and called for help.
The restaurant is located on 16th Avenue North near Third Street in Jacksonville Beach.
IMAGES: Fire damages brand new Jax Beach pizza restaurant
Sala Phad Thai and Col. Mustard's Phat Burgers are near Picnic Pizza and both suffered smoke damage.
"The other businesses next to it only have minimal smoke damage," Redding said. "It doesn't appear they are going to be out of business for any extended amount of time."
The State Fire Marshal estimates damages at about $50,000. Investigators also said the building was older and didn't have sprinklers built in.
"Speaking of potential fire suppression systems, this building is not sprinklered. So, in relevance to the age of the building, it was built prior to the codes requiring sprinkler systems," Redding said. "I wouldn't say its a total loss [for Picnic Pizza]. Obviously they're going to be down for a short period of time, but it's going to take a little bit of rebuild. Structurally, the building is still sound, so mostly the stuff is aesthetic inside that is damaged."