Edhat StaffUpdate by Santa Maria Police Department
On March 24, 2021, at 0030 hours, Santa Maria Police Officers and Santa Maria Fire Firefighters responded to a fire in the 500 block of North Broadway, The Swiss Restaurant. The fire damaged a portion of the building and resulted in a minor injury to a firefighter. The injured firefighter was treated on scene and no other injuries were reported. The property damage was estimated to be $180,000.
Santa Maria Police Detectives and the Santa Maria Fire Marshall worked together and investigated the fire as an Arson.
On March 25, 2021, at about 1350 hours, Santa Maria Police Officers arrested Teresa Ortiz, 45 years old, a resident of Santa Maria. Ortiz was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for Felony Arson (Arson with Injury) and bail was set at $250,000.
By edhat staff
The Santa Maria Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a popular restaurant on Broadway early Wednesday morning.
At 12:30 a.m., Santa Maria firefighters, police, and a ground ambulance arrived at the Swiss Restaurant in the 500 block of N. Broadway. Crews found an exterior fire that had extended into a rear storage room and kitchen area.
Firefighters made an aggressive attack in conjunction with ventilation to keep the fire from extending beyond the kitchen. The restaurant reports a loss of equipment and minor structural and smoke damage.
“We are grateful that the front end of our restaurant and bar area did not suffer any fire damage. Our dedicated team is in the process of cleaning and preparing for reconstruction. We look forward to getting back up and running in the coming weeks,” the Swiss Restaurant said in a public post.
While the cause is under investigation, the Swiss Restaurant published photos from video surveillance of a person of interest asking the public to contact the police department if they recognize the person.
