Restaurant fire in downtown Puyallup sends patrons packing

A two-alarm commercial fire at Meridian Cafe in Puyallup sent a packed house of patrons rushing for the exit signs.

Crews were dispatched Sunday morning to the 200 block of North Meridian Street. Puyallup Police say multiple streets were closed so firefighters could get a handle on the blaze. According to Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, witnesses heard several explosion in the area.

Everyone escaped safely. Authorities say it is estimated that the roads around the scene will be closed for several hours as they investigate. It is not known what caused the fire.