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Several small businesses were severely damaged when a fire broke out at a pizzeria in Wading River early this morning, Suffolk County fire officials said.
Wading River Fire Chief Mark Donnelly said they responded to Pazzo Ristorante and Wood Fired Pizzeria located at 6278 Route 25 around 2 a.m.
“We found an active fire in the front of the restaurant, which we extinguished and tried to minimize the damage to the other buildings and occupants," Donnelly said.
Riverhead Town police said the building was fully engulfed in flames when officers got there.
Officials said 10 different fire departments assisted and helped bring the fire under control just before 3 a.m.
The restaurant is located in a small shopping plaza off the busy main road and is surrounded by several small businesses, all in close proximity.
Ravaa's Bagels to the right suffered smoke and water damage.
Owner Hank Isik said they just opened the store on July 1, so he was devastated when he got the call this morning.
“We spent a lot of money trying to get the business," he said. "During the holiday time, it’s not good for us for our business.”
A third business, a bakery, on the left of the pizzeria, was also seriously damaged.
No one was injured, officials said.
The Riverhead Police Department Detective Squad, Suffolk County Police Arson Squad, Suffolk County Fire Marshals and the Riverhead Town Fire Marshals responded to the scene to investigate.
Riverhead police said the investigation is ongoing and they have turned it over to the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500 extension 312.