Popular Nyack Restaurant Damaged by Water as Firefighters Battle Apartment Fire

A popular downtown restaurant and bar had to close Tuesday night because of water damage it sustained as firefighters battled a blaze in an apartment above the rear of the Main Street business, according to Nyack fire officials.

No one was injured, but Nyack Fire Chief James Petriello said Casa del Solwas affected by water as volunteer firefighters fought a blaze that damaged a room and destroyed its contents in an apartment that has its entrance at 37 New St. - a small street just north of Main Street that runs from Broadway to Park Street.

Petriello said that as a result of the fire, electrical service was cut off to the building as a precaution.

Orangetown Police said the fire was reported shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday. Petriello said an investigation found the likely cause of the fire was an ashtray that fell next to a bed in the second-floor apartment. Petriello said volunteer firefighters were able to quickly get to the building, located within sight of two Nyack fire companies based on Park Street.

Petriello said two residents of the apartment were home at the time of the fire. The residents got out safey their dogs were rescued from the apartment, he said. A neighboring apartment was searched but was empty at the time of the fire. That apartment sustained smoke damage.

"Fortunately it was early in the evening and we had a quick response," Petriello said. "If it had been in the early morning, the outcome could have been far worse."

The contents of the room where the fire broke out were destroyed, leaving the apartment uninhabitable, Petreillo said.

Piermont volunteer firefighters were called to assist with the firefighter efforts, which took about two hours.

Casa del Sol has long been a popular restaurant and night spot in downtown Nyack. 

Here's how the restaurant describes itself:

Your home away from home for more than a decade. The place to meet for dinner, drinks and late-night music; Casa serves up the enticing flavors of Latino Cuisine in a vibrant, festive atmosphere! 

Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Nyack Casa del Sol offers both the traditional Classic & cross-cultural Fusion cuisine of Latin America, Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean & beyond.

Visit our Hacienda-style Bar where friends old & new create a lively, social setting over House Sangria, Margaritas, Mojitos & more. An eclectic Wine & Beer selection is available in addition to a full bar with Specialty & Flavored Drinks daily