WAVERLY, Ohio – An investigation will begin today into the cause of a fire that destroyed a southern Ohio landmark restaurant.
The historic Emmitt House in Waverly burned Monday night as firefighters dealt with frigid temperatures trying to put it out. Officials said the eatery, built as a hotel in 1861, is probably a total loss.
Around 60 firefighters from several area departments fought the blaze in below-zero temperatures.
Firefighters say the restaurant was engulfed in flames when they arrived at the N. Market Street location and they spent the overnight hours keeping the wind-fueled flames from spreading to other buildings.
The Emmitt House has gone through several owners over recent years and several openings and closings. The current owner had reopened it in September.
But it has gained national exposure for supposedly being haunted, most recently in March when it was featured on an episode of the SyFy Network series “Haunted Collector.”