Fire causes significant damage to Church’s Chicken restaurant in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A Monday morning fire caused significant damage to a Church’s Chicken restaurant in Las Cruces, but no injuries occurred.

The fire at the Church’s at 300 E. Lohman Ave. was reported about 5:30 a.m. by witnesses who saw flames inside the building, authorities said.

Las Cruces firefighters indicated they put the fire out within seven minutes of arriving at the restaurant, but not before significant fire damage happened in the kitchen. Crews said smoke and water damage also occured throughout the restaurant.

The cause of the fire had not yet been determined, officials said as of midday, and a total damage estimate was unavailable.