By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — A local eatery and an adjacent vacant store were damaged by an apparent electrical fire on Saturday night.

According to Pawtucket Fire Capt. William Sisson, the fire was reported at around 8:47 p.m. at Tigger’s Restaurant, 844 Newport Ave. The eatery, which primarily serves breakfast and lunch, was closed and unoccupied at the time.
Sisson said that the fire, which was in the rear of the restaurant, was mostly contained under a tin ceiling, which made it difficult to put out. Firefighters eventually extinguished the blaze, but he said there was significant smoke and fire damage to the rear portion of the building housing the two businesses. He said the restaurant would be unable to open without repairs.
Sisson said that despite there being a row of businesses in the block, most are separated by firewalls. The restaurant and the empty storefront at 842 Newport Ave., which was once a Lynch Paints paint and wallpaper store and later a music store, were in the same building.
Sisson said that while the exact cause of the blaze is still being determined, it is thought to be electrical and considered to be accidental.