Pocono News Section

Popular Restaurant Goes Up in Flames

Popular Restaurant Goes Up in Flames - Monday, April 12, 2010 at 04:05AM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Monday April 12 2010
LENOX TWP., SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- A late-night fire in Susquehanna County destroys three businesses. Fire broke out at Lenox Corners around 10:00 last night.

A restaurant, real estate company, and gun shop were destroyed. People who live in the area are sad to see what flames left behind.

Not much is left of Bingham's Restaurant after fire ripped through the building late Sunday night. Crews came in from three counties to fight the flames.

John Michaels of the Harford Fire Company said, "By the time we got here, fire was blowing out all the windows and it was pretty well gone at that time."

John Michaels helped fight the fire. He was also a long-time customer of the restaurant. "It's a favorite of my wife and mine to come down for dinner I guess, not anymore It's heartbreaking. We have good friends that work here," he said.

Two other businesses in the same building were destroyed. One was country landmarks real estate.

The other was the Outdoorsman Gun Shop, complete with ammunition. Shells were found in the parking lot. "They just kind of go off like fire crackers. It's not like ammunition is flying through the air and going to hit somebody, it's not like being shot out of the rifle," said Michaels.

Many people stopped by the scene, including customers of Binghams Restaurant. Joe Brucato of Uniondale said, "It has good food and has been there a long time."

Brucato stopped through from time to time. "Busy on Saturdays, you know, good food. Too bad morning breakfast is now gone," he said.

Firefighters stayed overnight keeping an eye on hot spots. A state police fire marshal is looking for a cause.

Photo courtesy of viewer Sherry Sparks