Fire caused an estimated $55,000 damage Sunday night to the Panda Express at 2510 Columbia House Blvd.
Fire Capt. Dan Pearce said the fire appeared to start in bark dust about 6:30 p.m. It traveled into inside plywood and made its way to the women’s bathroom. It also melted wires in a telephone control box, Pearce said.
Eighteen firefighters had the fire under control in about 15 minutes but stayed on the scene much longer.
Pearce said he doubted the restaurant would be able to open to customers today.
Efforts to reach a spokesperson at the restaurant were unsuccessful.
