The fire that destroyed the Denny’s in Richmond Hill on Tuesday started in the attic of the restaurant, according to Vernon Rushing, the city's fire chief

Rushing said he suspects the fire might have been an electrical but doesn't yet know the exact cause of the blaze that broke out around 1:40 p.m. Tuesday. He did rule out arson and said  Tuesday evening  the fire is still being investigated.

“It was a hot fire,” Rushing said.

No injuries were reported, according to the Richmond Hill Police Chief Billy Reynolds.

Firefighters worked into the evening to secure the surroundings, Rushing said.

The fire destroyed the building, the charred remains of which were fenced off  Wednesday morning.

“A total loss,” Rushing said of the Hwy. 17 restaurant.

At the Richmond Hill City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, Council member Marilyn Hodges congratulated Rushing for his department’s response to the blaze.

“Awesome job today on the fire,” she said.

Hwy. 17 was closed from Harris Trail Road to I-95 for about an hour and a half, opening back up around 4:10 p.m. Tuesday. Onlookers lined up on the street to watch firefighters put out the blaze.  

The Richmond Hill Fire Department, Bryan County Fire Department, Richmond Hill Police Department, Bryan County EMS and Liberty County emergency services responded to the blaze.

 Earlier stories:

An early afternoon blaze destroyed the Denny’s restaurant in Richmond Hill Tuesday afternoon.

No injuries were reported, according to the Richmond Hill Police Department.

The fire started around 1:40 p.m. and sent heavy smoke billowing out onto Hwy. 17.  It is not yet clear what caused the fire.

Hwy. 17 was closed from Harris Trail Road to I-95 for about an hour and a half, opening back up around 4:10 p.m., according to the Richmond Hill Police Department. Onlookers lined up on the street to watch firefighters put out the blaze.  

The Richmond Hill Fire Department, Bryan County Fire Department, Richmond Hill Police Department, Bryan County EMS and Liberty County emergency services responded to the blaze.

Earlier story:

Firefighters and other emergency responders are busy putting out a fire at the Denny's restaurant on Hwy. 17 in Richmond Hill.

According to law enforcement officials, the fire broke out around 1:40 p.m. today. Firefighters were still working on the blaze at 2:30 p.m.

Hwy. 17 is currently closed in front of the restaurant, beginning at Harris Trail Road from the north, due to heavy smoke. 

It is unclear what caused the fire or if anyone has been injured.