Fire at Steakhouse Blamed on Arson

A venerable east Ventura steakhouse was charred early Thursday morning in a $15,000 fire that authorities say was deliberately set.

At 1:11 a.m., Ventura firefighters responded to a structure fire at Ted’s Sizzling Steaks, 1985 Victoria Ave.

The first engine company on the scene reported fire visible in an outside storage area on the building’s south side, said Battalion Chief Brian Gordon.

Ten firefighters used hand lines to quickly bring the blaze under control.

In addition to damaging the storage area and an outside refrigeration unit, the blaze blackened a section of the wood-sided building, Gordon said.

A small amount of smoke damage was reported inside the restaurant.

Authorities ruled the fire suspicious after being told by steakhouse owner Ted Will that the gate to the storage area should have been locked.

Gordon said that when firefighters arrived, they found the gate open.

In addition, authorities say there were two open containers of flammable liquid in the storage area. Will said the containers did not belong there, Gordon said.

“There was no natural cause for ignition,” Gordon said.

The criminal investigation is being handled by detectives from the Ventura Police Department.