TONOPAH, AZ — A "beloved" far West Valley bar and grill was destroyed by a large fire early Wednesday morning, and now it's being investigated as a possible arson.
Just after midnight Wednesday, emergency crews were called to fight a fire at the Tin Top Bar and Grill near Wintersburg Road and Salome Highway.
Arizona Fire and Medical Authority officials say leaking propane tanks posed a threat to crews, so hazardous materials teams were also called in to assist.
The building was fully engulfed by flames and despite fire-fighting efforts, the business is believed to be a total loss, MCSO says.
Fortunately, no injuries were caused by the fire, which was also confirmed by the restaurant's Facebook page.
In a post, Tin Top Bar and Grill said, in part: "It is with a heavy heart that we are confirming that our beloved Tin Top Bar and Grill has burned down Tuesday evening. Nobody was physically hurt."
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says arson detectives are investigating the cause of the fire, and it is considered suspicious.
"It's been Tin Top for 21 years," said Laura Hansen, who built Tin Top from the ground up in 2002, after the previous building was also destroyed.
"And so I purchased the Boondocks and built Tin Top Bar & Grill in its place," she told ABC15.
She sold it to Ron, the current owner, in 2005, and while no one was hurt Hensen says it's heartbreaking knowing Tin Top is gone.
"It's not just brick and mortar. It's the people. It's the employees. It's the owners. It's the history. There's been something on that spot for over 100 years," said Hansen.
AJ Peterson, who worked there for 20 years, is still processing it all.
"I felt like seeing my… watching my whole life burn down in front of me," Peterson said in tears.
A fundraiser has been set up to help with the rebuilding.
