Junction City firefighters responded to 1032 South Washington Street Sunday afternoon for a report of a fire at the Greek Heroes Restaurant.

Dennis Wetklow, Fire Department Battalion Chief, said Sunday on-scene that when firefighters arrived there was heavy smoke showing. “Once the guys made entry they were able to knock the fire down within probably five to ten minutes. We’ve got extensive damage in there. ”

The cause of the fire is not yet known. A State Fire Marshall’s Office investigator was brought in, but as of Sunday night the cause was undetermined pending further investigation.

The initial report from Wetklow put the damage estimate at $80,000, but later Sunday evening the Battalion Chief said that had changed. He said the building was totaled. “After talking with the State Fire Marshall’s Office they are saying that the building was totaled. There’s about $150,000 damage to the structure.”   Wetklow stated the building had been valued at approximately $300,000, but the entire roof is going to have to be replaced.  A State Fire Marshall’s Office investigator informed him that normally when that happens an insurance company normally totals it.

Wetklow noted one firefighter injured his back, and was taken  to Geary Community Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Greek Heroes Restaurant opened in September at the 1032 South Washington location. It was closed on Sunday.  The restaurant employs 12 people.   The building itself, is owned by Joe Maggard and managed by his son Ron Maggard both of Herington. Wetklow confirmed Herr had renter’s insurance, but there was no insurance on the building. He was informed the owners had been in the process of trying to acquire insurance.

The Junction City Fire Department used 15 firefighters, four fire trucks, and two staff vehicles during the course of battling the blaze, and the followup investigation.