The Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal announced Thursday that preliminary findings suggest the fire that destroyed Matunuck Oyster Bar was accidental, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
The iconic South Kingstown restaurant has been declared a total loss following the blaze, which broke out early Tuesday morning. While the cause is still undetermined, fire officials have ruled out commercial cooking equipment as the direct source of the fire.
“Based on the information gathered so far, the fire appears to have been accidental,” the Fire Marshal’s office stated, noting that the investigation is ongoing. “Steps have been taken to preserve the integrity of the scene to ensure a thorough examination.”
To prevent further environmental impact, mitigation efforts are also in place to protect nearby waterways from contamination.
The investigation into the fire remains ongoing as officials work to determine the precise cause.
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