Staff reports

TIPP CITY — The Tipp City Fire and EMS Department has deemed the cause behind Monday’s fire at Hinders Sports Bar and Grill to be “unintentional,” according to a press release issued Tuesday.

Tipp City fire investigators found “the most probable cause to be improperly discarded smoking material.” The department cited a “flower pot, with dry potting mix, was being used as an ashtray.”

The estimated cost of damages are $35,000 for the structure and $25,000 for the contents

At approximately 5:52 a.m. on Monday, Tipp City Fire and EMS crews responded to Hinders on West Main Street on the report of a fire in the rear of the building. Tipp City firefighters located the fire on the back side of the building in the “patio”area. The fire was brought under control quickly by the crews. The crews thoroughly checked the structure to ensure the fire did not spread. Tipp City’s electric department responded to secure power at the scene. All utilities were secured.

An alert citizen who was passing by reported the fire. No injuries were reported from emergency crews on scene. The business was not open at the time of the fire.