x
Breaking News
More () »

Tia Juanita's Fish Camp in Jasper burns overnight, days before Texas restaurants can reopen

The restaurant caught fire around 1:45 a.m. Monday morning, firefighters said.

JASPER, Texas — Tia Juanita's Fish Camp in Jasper went up in flames early Monday morning. 

The fire happened around 1:05 a.m. in the 4600 block of North Wheeler Street, Jasper Volunteer Fire Department said. No one was hurt in the blaze, firefighters said. 

The Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post they were called to assist Jasper Volunteer Fire Department with the fire. Crews didn't leave until after 4 a.m. 

"We had it under control within a couple hours," Jasper Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Eric Melendez said.

The restaurant opened in Jasper two years ago and had become popular with locals. 

Monday's fire came just before Gov. Abbott announced restaurants can reopen with occupancy restrictions amid the pandemic. Tia Juanita's was offering to-go meals only, like many other Southeast Texas eateries. 

RELATED: Tia Juanita's shares Facebook post thanking community for support after fire destroys Jasper location

Tia Juanita's owner Ricky Martinez told our news partners at the Beaumont Enterprise he's unsure if they will rebuild. 

"We have to see what the insurance is going to do, he said. "I don't know that we can rebuild at that location. It's so bad. You have to clear everything off and start over. We still might go back, but I don't know."

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials said the fire started near the kitchen and small dining room area. 

One employee told 12News that the news brought tears to her eyes. 

Also on 12NewsNow.com... 

Beaumont man arrested, charged with murder after Sunday afternoon shooting

Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorses Joe Biden for president

South Korea maintains Kim Jong Un health rumors are untrue

US states chart their own reopening path as global coronavirus cases near 3 million

Illegal game room found inside Houston church building

Suspect wearing surgical mask wanted in Beaumont gas station robbery on Eastex Freeway

Extra law enforcement patrol big crowds at Bolivar beaches during COVID-19 quarantine

Before You Leave, Check This Out