Bellevue Fire investigators have determined Thursday that a failed gas line caused the fire that severely damaged a popular Lake Hills restaurant late Wednesday night.

Investigators believe the fire was an accident and are still trying to determine why the gas line to the commercial range in the kitchen at Stamos Café failed. Damage was estimated at $200,000.

A passerby called 911 to report flames on the top of the Stamos Café building at 11:56 p.m. on Wednesday. Bellevue Fire Engine 2 and Light Force 3 responded to the scene within six minutes.

Firefighter Kevin Guitron, on Engine 2, reported finding thick, black smoke throughout the restaurant. He stated that there were flames visible in the area of the kitchen stove. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames, but the restaurant had already sustained extensive damage due to heat and smoke.

Stamos Café has been at its current location in the Lake Hills Shopping Center, at 555 156th Ave. SE, for more than 26 years.

A total of 34 fire personnel from Bellevue and Redmond fire departments responded to this fire. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported.

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