VIDEO: Victoria fire crews battle restaurant blaze on Douglas

Fire crews battle a restaurant fire in the 2900-block of Douglas Street early Friday (June 16) morning. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Victoria firefighters at the scene of an early morning fire in the 2900-block of Douglas Street June 16. (Katharine Brynjolfson/Black Press Media)

Victoria residents awoke to thick black smoke Friday morning as Victoria fire crews battled a structure fire on Douglas Street.

The highway was closed for several blocks surrounding the Ricky’s All Day Grill at Burnside Road and Douglas.

Fire reports online came in around 3:30 a.m.

Shortly after 8 a.m. Victoria police alerted drivers some road closures remain in effect in the area of Douglas at Burnside, with traffic “moving but slowly” due to the fire.

VicPD asked drivers to use an alternate route if possible.

In an afternoon update, police said the fire is considered suspicious, and is under investigation by the major crimes unit. Police said there were no known injuries.

The Victoria News has reached out to Victoria Fire Department for details.

Victoria fire crews battle a commercial structure fire in the 2900 block of Douglas. The road is closed #yyjtraffic pic.twitter.com/bgJioGwuFT

— C. van Reeuwyk (@van_reeuwyk) June 16, 2023