The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a restaurant fire in Fountain Hills as a possible arson. An MCSO spokesman said detectives took over the scene after they were told the fire seemed suspicious and began their investigation, which was continuing as of Monday morning, April 29.

During the course of the investigation on Tuesday, April 23, the property owner reported that a cash register with $60 was missing from the scene. Based on that information, detectives initiated a secondary burglary investigation. They believe the burglary took place before the fire started.

Fountain Hills Fire Department responded to the working structure fire at a restaurant on Shea Boulevard at about 10 p.m. on Monday, April 22.

Eriberto’s Mexican Food was closed at the time and firefighters had to force entry into the building, according to Assistant Fire Chief Jason Payne.

“We found active fire in the kitchen area that had made its way to the roof and parapets on the roof,” Payne said. “[There were] high heat and smoke conditions.”

With the restaurant closed at the time there were no civilian injuries, and no firefighter injuries, according to Payne.

There was substantial damage to the roof of the structure, as well as interior smoke and water damage.

All Fountain Hills Fire Department units were on the scene with assistance from Fort McDowell Fire Department. This was the first working fire assignment for the fire department ladder truck, Payne said.