The Winona Fire Department responded to two structure fires – one Montgomery County restaurant and one Winona residence – in the early morning hours Tuesday.
According to Montgomery County Emergency Operations Director Allan Pratt, a passing motorist called dispatch and reported the fire at BBJ’s Restaurant, located at 2425 Highway 51 North.
Winona Fire Chief Brad Mooneyham said the Winona Fire Department was dispatched to the fire at 1:21 a.m. and arrived at the scene 10 minutes later.
“When we got there, heavy smoke was coming out of the roof,” Mooneyham said.
He said the fire was contained to the store and dining area of the building, and significant damage was caused by the fire and heavy smoke damage.
“It never got into the kitchen area,” Mooneyham said. “It looked as though it started near the food bar.”
According to Montgomery County Sheriff Bubba Nix, whose department handled the investigation, the Fire Marshall said the fire was caused from electrical wiring near the food bar.
Later that morning, Winona firefighters responded to a house fire at 600 Beck Street in Winona.
According to Mooneyham, the homeowner, Bud Campbell received burns from a fire that ignited in the home’s living room. He said the Fire Marshall determined it was caused by an electric heater. The home was heavily damaged by smoke and water.
“The resident was there when it happened,” Mooneyham said. “He was injured and transported by MedStat.”
Mooneyham said the homeowner was burned and was in serious condition.