BRIEF: Electrical problem caused Crabby Patty’s fire

Sept. 13--Investigators have determined an electrical problem caused a fire that nearly destroyed Crabby Patty's Restaurant and Oyster Shack on Sept. 1 in Havelock.

Havelock Fire and Rescue Chief Rick Zaccardelli said Monday that investigators with the department concurred with a private insurance investigator looking into the cause and origin of the fire.

"The investigator that they sent is an electrical engineer as well as an arson investigator, and he determined it was electrical that started in the attic," Zaccardelli said.

Firefighters received the call of the first at 11:22 p.m. Sept. 1. Upon arriving at the scene, they found the attic above the original dining room of the structure ablaze.

The 10-year-old business sustained major fire damage and widespread smoke and water damage.

Zaccardelli said investigators narrowed the origin down to electric wiring.

"We had it contained to a 4-foot area up in the attic, and we were in agreement with the investigator," said Zaccardelli.

Owners George and Patty Aswad said that the business, located at 916 East Main St., would be closed until further notice.

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