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Large fire erupts at Mining Camp Restaurant in Apache Junction

Posted at 5:19 AM, Jul 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-25 21:02:26-04

A large fire broke out at a historic Apache Junction restaurant early Tuesday morning.

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Superstition Fire and Medical officials say a neighbor reported a fire around 3 a.m. at the Mining Camp Restaurant near Val Vista and Mining Camp Road. 

Fire crews went defensive on the blaze but they were unable to save a majority, if any, of the structure. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed. The fire started in the gift shop which is located at the front of the restaurant. 

The Mining Camp Restaurant was opened in the early 1960s and has been under the ownership of the same family since that time.

The owners live in a structure adjacent to the property, but it was not affected by the fire. 

No injuries were reported in the blaze.

Officials are still investigating but at the moment believe the fire was electrical-related. 

Jake Whitten, is the owner's grandson, and said their hope is to re-build. The damage is estimated at $950,000. 

"Obviously it's not the way we wanted to wake up, it's pretty devastating," he said. "All that matters is everybody was out, they're okay, we get to live to make the next decision from here."

Lindzie Djukanovic celebrated her wedding at the restaurant three months ago. 

"I didn't believe it, I was in shock," she said. "Just heartbroken because I'm still reminiscing on that day, posting pictures about it, and I was looking at the pictures, just to know it's not there, it's really sad."