This story was updated at 8:40 a.m.
The Owensboro Fire Department responded early this morning to a fire at Niko’s Italian Cuisine, located at 2200 East Parrish Avenue in at Building H of the Owensboro Healthplex (formerly The Springs).
According to OFD, crews were dispatched at 4:55 a.m. to a structure fire at the restaurant. More than 20 personnel are on scene working to fully extinguish the fire.
Efforts are ongoing to manage the scene safely. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
According to OFD Battalion Chief Steve Leonard, the fire extended into the attic area, which he said has been difficult to access. Leonard said the metal roof has presented additional challenges for crews, as it is difficult to ventilate and can trap heat and flames underneath for a longer period.
Crews have been on scene for more than three hours with multiple personnel rotating in and out of the building to search for hot spots and ensure the fire is completely out.
An Owensboro Times reporter observed flames coming from the roof and smoke billowing from the building at 6:04 this morning. The Owensboro Police Department and AMR also responded and remain on scene.
Building H also houses the Owensboro Health Specialty Laboratory. No one was in the building at the time, according to OH. All other buildings at the Healthplex are unaffected by the fire and fully operational.
“Owensboro Health team members and patients can continue to safely access Springs Healthplex Buildings B-G but should plan for possible traffic congestion because of the emergency vehicles on-site. Our other lab options, including at Building D, are open and available for patients today,” a statement from OH reads.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
