2 firefighters injured as Fall River Portuguese restaurant, apartments, destroyed by fire

A Fall River restaurant known for serving authentic and popular Portuguese cuisine has been destroyed by a two-alarm fire.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., a call came into dispatch for heavy smoke showing from Marisqueira Azores Restaurant on 1445 South Main Street.

According to Fire Chief Roger St. Martin, crews arrived to see heavy fire toward the rear of the building. 4 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue, 2 command units, 1 squad, and 2 ambulances were called to the scene.

St. Martin stated that 2 firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries and it took just over an hour to get the flames under control.

There is currently substantial damage to the kitchen and storage area in addition to two apartments in the rear of the building.

The restaurant is typically closed on Tuesdays, and it is currently unclear, how many people, if any, were in the restaurant at the time of the blaze.

Witnesses stated that a neighbor saved several pets that were located in the apartments.

The fire is still under investigation.