Family of Boise restaurant owner reacts to destructive fire:'It isn't just a restaurant'

BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — Emergency crews were still trying to figure out Wednesday what caused a fire that badly damaged a Boise restaurant, Tuesday night.

CBS 2 News spoke with the owner's family who say they lost far more than just a building.

"It isn't just a restaurant,” said the restaurant owner’s daughter, Edith Ortega. “We've been here for almost two decades. So, for me, it's like my other home."

Ortega said her mother closed the restaurant early, Tuesday night, something that she said doesn't happen often.

Crews said the fire burned for nearly two hours, leaving the building charred inside and out.

Two firefighters suffered knee injuries but are expected to be ok.

Thankfully, crews tell CBS 2 News, no one was inside.

"I'm happy nobody was in there, nobody was injured,” Ortega said. “But, material comes and goes."

During a quick search Wednesday morning, Ortega said her mother found a picture of her father. He died two years ago. And, she said the business was his creation.

"He put all his equity of what he had in this business,” Ortega said. “So, it means a lot to me and all of our employees."

Los Mariachis’ Facebook page is now flooded with support from customers, which Ortega said gives her hope.

"Not just the people that came here just came for the food,” Ortega said. “They came here because of the comfort. They felt like it was there second home."

Boise Fire crews used a drone during Wednesday’s investigation. This was the first time for the department to use the technology for an active case.

Crews said that the roof collapsed, so the drone was used to make sure it was safe to go inside.