PORTLAND, Ore. — The popular Italian restaurants Caffe and Barba Mingo on Northwest 21st Avenue in Portland are closed indefinitely due to a fire that broke early Monday morning.
"Fortunately, no one was injured, but the restaurants sustained major damage," the restaurant posted on Instagram. "At this point, we will be closed indefinitely while we navigate the aftermath."
According to Portland Fire & Rescue, crews responded at 5:18 a.m. on Monday and arrived to find the windows at Caffe Mingo blacked out with smoke, with more smoke emanating from the roof. Firefighters were able to determine that the fire had not spread to other businesses.
Multiple fire crews tracked down the fire inside the building, while others looked for anyone inside and checked on the roof. After cutting into the roof, crews found flames within that had spread to a rooftop HVAC unit. As firefighters used a hose to attack the fire from the roof, other crews continued to work inside the building.
PHOTOS: Caffe Mingo fire
Within 20 minutes, PF&R noted an improvement in the smoke. Finally, just before 6 a.m., crews inside the building found where natural gas was fueling the fire. After getting gas service turned off for the building, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within a matter of minutes.
There were no reported injuries, and PF&R is still investigating the cause of the fire.
The Mingo restaurants have been a staple in Northwest Portland's culinary scene for over 20 years, with handmade pastas and an intimate environment that has become a watering hole of sorts for the neighborhood. People can often be seen dining at the Caffe and Barba at all hours that the restaurants are open.
Over $28,000 has been raised, surpassing the original goal of $20,000 meant to support the restaurant's staff through a GoFundMe set up by longtime patrons.
"We are blown away by the community support!" wrote Sarah Bell, the organizer of the GoFundMe. "Thank you so much to all who have donated and helped spread the word. Let’s keep it going and meet our next goal!"
Bell said that Mingo is the "heart and soul" of the Northwest Portland neighborhood.
"So many people have had first dates, birthdays and anniversaries at Mingo over the years," she added. "It is a cherished establishment that brings the community together for fabulous food, wine, and company."
Correction: An earlier version of the article stated that the GoFundMe would go toward repairs.
