Posted Monday, February 25, 2013 --- 10:15 a.m.

From the Madison Fire Department:

City of Madison Fire Department firefighters responded to a popular Mexican taqueria this morning at 7:16 a.m.

As firefighters approached the scene at 1033 South Park St., crews observed smoke from four blocks away. Flames were coming from a vent on the south side of the building. Engine Company 4 was the first crew in. They advanced a hoseline, entering the front door. Engine 1 advanced a second hoseline through a rear entry.

Crews received an initial report of someone still in the building, but no occupants were found during a search of the two-story structure. There were no occupants in the building at the time of the fire, and no injuries.

Firefighters kept the fire contained to the single structure, preventing exposure to neighboring buildings, and a panel truck in the driveway. Crews had the fire knocked down within 10 minutes of arrival, though overhaul revealed additional hot spots in the walls that extended firefighting operations.
Park St. was closed in both directions for about 90 minutes, reopening just after 9:00 a.m. The Streets Department was called to the scene to sand the road in front of the restaurant due to residual ice from firefighting operations.

Investigators are on scene. There is no damage estimate yet available. The cause remains under investigation.