Pocono News Section

Fire at Mt. Carmel Restaurant Ruled Arson

Fire at Mt. Carmel Restaurant Ruled Arson - Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 5:16PM EST

Reported by: Dave Skutnik
Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 @ 05:16pm EST
MT. CARMEL, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY- Not long after closing Tuesday night, flames were spotted coming from Yanni's Restaurant in Northumberland County. The restaurant is in a 3-story building at the corner of 3rd and Oak Streets in Mount Carmel. Eyewitness News was there as long-time workers got their first look at the damage.

Employees like Maryann Remash can't believe it. She's worked at this restaurant for 23 years, and was there Wednesday to begin the process of picking up the pieces. "I think it's gonna take a while," she said.

Employees were only allowed inside for a few minutes to gather what they could. The 100-year-old building's been temporarily condemned, leaving restaurant employees and several upstairs tenants without a place to live or work. "The fire's not that bad in damage but there's a lot of smoke and water damage," said Remash.

The fire damage was confined to the restaurant but it did take out the furnace and the electricity, and that means that adjoining businesses, like a craft store and hair salon, won't be able to open until some of the fire damage is repaired.

Mt. Carmel Police Corporal Chris Buhay said, "Absolutely not going to be open in the next day or two. I'd probably say a substantial amount of time until they re-open."

A State Police Fire Marshal says Tuesday night's blaze started in several places, meaning someone set the fire on purpose.

Meanwhile Maryann says she'll do whatever it takes to get back up and running. "I don't even want to make a prediction. It's gonna be a while. But I'll be here," she said.

The building's owner did tell me he lost his keys about a week ago and wonders if someone found them and used them to gain access to the restaurant.

Mt. Carmel Police are heading up the investigation. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious is asked to give them a call. Their number is (570) 339-6020.