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Legends fire classified as arson

A fire that completely gutted an Edwardsburg restaurant on October 26th has been classified as arson. 

Initially Edwardsburg Fire Chief Harold Eltzroth told FOX 28 that there was nothing at the scene that would make him suspect arson.  The investigation was later handed over to the Michigan State Police Fire Marshall who made the official arson classification.

The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Niles State Police post at 269-683-4411.  Also, all employees of the Legends Bar & Grill are asked to make make contact with MSP as soon as possible.

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Previously published on FOX28.com - 10/26/2009

Edwardsburg Fire Chief Harold Eltzroth told FOX 28 that his volunteer fire department got the call around 1:50 Monday morning about a fire at the Legends Restaurant on M-62.  The metal roof of the building trapped a lot of the heat inside, making the scene extra dangerous.  Firefighters were ordered out of the building and neighboring departments were called in for back-up.

A Halloween party was held in the restaurant on Saturday night, and Eltzroth said straw bales likely helped the fire spread quickly.  He also addressed speculation that the fire was started intentionally.  At this time there is no indication of arson, however the cause is not yet know.  State fire investigators have been called in to conduct an official investigation of the scene.

"No. Rumors around town, but no I do not, that's our town unfortunately. No, I can not find anything to say it's suspicious," said fire chief Eltzroth in response to rumors that fire was intentional.