A devastating fire broke out shortly after 5:00 am on Monday, engulfing Venice Pizza House and a vacant building next door in Hawkins. The blaze, which occurred at 112 Beaulah Street, reduced both structures to total losses, confirmed the Hawkins Fire Department.
Wood County Fire Marshal Tully Davidson reported that there were no injuries in the incident. While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the restaurant owner alleged that the empty building adjacent to Venice Pizza House had become a common shelter for homeless individuals.
Davidson said that the manager was staying in the back of the pizza restaurant, but he left before the fire department got there; however, he is not considered a suspect at this time.
The Wood County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the fire.
