Fire at popular Colorado Springs restaurant Fujiyama fire investigated as arson

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is now investigating the cause of a fire that was started on the roof of Japanese sushi restaurant Fujiyama.

Monday, May 15, at 11:50 p.m., CSPD along with the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) responded to a structure fire at the 00 Block of South Tejon Street.

The fire was quickly put out by fire crews before any major damage occurred to the structure and no one was injured, according to CSPD.

Police with CSPD are now saying the fire is being investigated as arson after reports from two witnesses that saw a suspect leaving the area.

Investigators believe someone tried to burn electrical wires on the roof of the downtown restaurant.

Reports describe an unknown white male between the ages of 40 and 50-year-old who was wearing a dark beanie and red hoodie leaving the area. One witness describes seeing the male holding a gas tank.

The owner, Mini Sur, said she's thankful the fire wasn't worse.

Fujiyama has been a staple in Colorado Springs for more than 24 years. Sur said when she got the call reporting the fire her heart dropped, worried she'd lose everything she's worked for since the restaurant opened in 1998.

Thankfully, CSPD said crews were able to extinguish the flames before they caused any significant damage.

"The only damage to the roof is where parts of the cable it's a plastic cable dripped down on the roof, so there is a little puddle of plastic," said Mark O'Donnell, Landlord of Fujiyama.

The owners told KRDO they're now looking into purchasing new security cameras.

Anyone with information on this fire is asked to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department.