A restaurant in North Philadelphia was destroyed after an early morning fire.
SkyForce10 was over the scene of Bella Vista Restaurant along Whitaker and Hunting Park Avenues on Friday, January 16, 2026, as the establishment was consumed by flames.
Officials shared that the fire started around 3:45 a.m. in the back of the restaurant.
Firefighters worked all morning in freezing conditions to extinguish the fire. They were able to get the fire under control after 3 hours.
“A lot of challenges last night, obviously with the freezing conditions and the water, creates a hazard for our responders,” said Chief Daniel McCarty of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
The view from SkyForce10 showed flames shooting from the roof. Firefighters told NBC10 they conducted searches of the restaurant and ensured no one was inside.
Another major concern for crews was the gas station next door.
“Yes, that is a hazard when we see a massive fire right next to a gas station with all the flammability and capabilities are there of any type of explosion, our response is extremely heightened,” said McCarty.
Fenil Amin, who owns the gas station, said he immediately shut off the pumps and initiated all emergency safety measures. Amin says he feels for the restaurant’s owners.
“It would be a big loss. I know they’ve been working very hard for the last couple of years, and they just got around it. It just recently opened up 5-6 months ago; it’s sad to see,” said Amin.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.
“I walk by this way every day, going to work and going home, and man, I’m just sad,” Ross Watson shared.
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