EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO/AP) — A restaurant in Eagan is closed after a large fire burned a two-story deck.

The Eagan Fire Department reports firefighters responded about 5:45 a.m. Sunday to a report of a deck on fire at the Cherokee Sirloin Room on Nichols Road.

Jim Casper, co-owner of the restaurant, said the firefighters believe the fire started in a flower pot, likely caused by a cigarette butt.

He said the fire started outside and moved in, where it damaged the east wall of the bar. The entire structure suffered heavy smoke and water damage.

Firefighters arrived and found the two-story deck on fire. Crews from Eagan’s five fire stations along with one unit from Burnsville responded to the scene.

Casper believes someone walking by saw the fire and called police around 5:30 a.m.

There were no injuries. The business was not occupied at the time and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The business is closed until further notice. Casper said he hopes to re-open in a month or so. The business’ other location in West St. Paul is still open.

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