The fire burned a large hole in the roof as well.

The Fort Dodge Fire Department was dispatched to the call at 4:30 a.m.

According to Fort Dodge Fire Chief Steve Hergenreter, the fire was well advanced when crews arrived.

“Crews found a large volume of fire and smoke in the building,” he said. “Flames were shooting through the roof of the rear portion of the building.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
The kitchen area of the Casablanca Steakhouse sustained heavy damage in an early Thursday morning fire.

He said that crews made an aggressive interior attack and were able to contain it to the rear where the kitchen is located.

A third alarm was called to bring in additional firefighters.

“Extensive overhaul work was required to extinguish fire in the collapsed roof and attic spaces in the kitchen and bar area,” he said.

Hergenreter said 24 firefighters and paramedics responded and that crews were on the scene till 8:30 a.m.

Because of the extensive damages, he said the State Fire Marshal will be assisting with the investigation into the blaze’s cause, which is still to be determined.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
A piece of the wall remains on the ground Thursday afternoon at the Casablanca Steakhouse after an early morning fire heavily damaged the kitchen area.

Fort Dodge Police and MidAmerican Energy also responded to the scene.

There were no injuries.

The restaurant is owned by Alfonso Galvan, who also owns Lomitas Mexican Restaurant, 2223 Fifth Ave. S.

The Casablanca Steak House opened in September of 2018.

-Submitted photo
Fort Dodge Fire Department crews work early Thursday morning to put out a fire at the Casablanca Steakhouse.