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By Paula Pyzik Scott

Two adjacent businesses in the 100 block of S. Main St. in Ada were destroyed by fire on the afternoon and evening of Monday, February 2. Viva Maria restaurant and The Cask Room bar, as well as apartments above them, were thoroughly damaged by fire and partially demolished during firefighting efforts. 

A total of ten fire and EMS crews and some 40 firefighters were part of the response coordinated by the Ada-Liberty Fire Department, according to Chief Jay Epley. Water tanker trucks were brought to the scene, but Village of Ada hydrants provided enough capacity. Crews were on scene for some 12 hours.

The Ohio Fire Marshall was on site on Tuesday morning to help investigate the cause of the fire.

Staff were not at Viva Maria when the alarm system notified owners Susan and Dominic Fricano of motion in the building at about 1:30 p.m. The Cask Room closed for business in mid-December. Mellow Hair Salon, which abuts The Cask Room, has been emptied so that the contents won’t be damaged when further demolition takes place.

There have been no injuries reported.

Apartments above the businesses and in the building to the north were evacuated.

Red Cross representatives came to Beatitudes Community Center to assist tenants who were displaced by the fire and by smoke damage. Hot food, clothing, baby care items and hotel rooms were provided. Accommodations were needed that would accept several dogs, cats and two snakes.

Parts of the downtown lost gas and power during the blaze. Both were restored and Main St. was reopened early on Tuesday. The Ohio Department of Transportation sent a plow to clear and salt the area, which became extremely slippery due to frozen water.

A few nearby businesses were closed the following day for cleanup.