SMETHPORT — A state police fire marshal said early Tuesday evening that the cause of the fire that heavily damaged the Corner Bistro and Pizza Company earlier in the afternoon is still under investigation.

“It started in the kitchen, but the exact source hasn’t been determined because of all the debris,” Trooper Russell Stewart, told The Era.

While Smethport Fire Chief Eric Barber thanked the area fire departments who responded to the multi-alarm fire that came in at 3:24 p.m., he credited his own department “for an awesome and speedy job in their initial attack. They saved the building,” he noted.

Much of the brick structure suffered heavy fire, smoke and water damage. Water and smoke damage were reported in the downstairs barroom. The state store, which is located in the same building at the corner of West Main and State streets, will be closed because the utilities that run throughout structure, of course, have been disconnected.

Three tenants from the upstairs apartments are without permanent residences. The Red Cross has been offering asssistance, according to Barber.

There were no injuries. Ambulance 16 and Ambulance 17 responded to the scene as did Officer Kevin Seipp of the Smethport Police Department.

Barber publicly thanked the American Legion, several doors east of the fire scene, for opening their facility for a cooling area for the firefighters who battled the fire in very high temperatres. Thanks also go out to the residents and fire department social members who donated water.

About 60 to 70 firefighters were on the scene until about 6:25 p.m.

Crews from Smethport, Port Allegany, Kane, Norwich Township and Hamlin Township were called to assist between 3:30 and 4 p.m.

Shortly after 4 p.m., a third alarm was called, and tower trucks from Bradford City and Coudersport were dispatched, as were engines from Eldred Borough, Rew, Otto Township, and Mount Jewett with Rescue 10 and Squad 10. The crew from Bradford City was recalled.