Flames Tear Through Lonestar Steakhouse

Firefighters in Middletown were called out early Friday morning to battle a fire at a local restaurant.

The fire happened around 1 a.m. at the Lonestar Steakhouse on Roosevelt Parkway.

IMAGES From Lonestar Steakhouse Fire WEB EXTRA: Cell Phone Video Of Lonestar Restaurant Fire

Witnesses said when they arrived at the scene, flames were shooting 10 to 15 feet into the air. Firefighters arrived and began an internal and external attack on the flames.

However, because of the dangerous flames firefighters were forced out of the building and forced to battle the flames from the outside.

Investigators said there were no employees inside the building when the fire started. They said someone driving by the restaurant may have spotted the flames and reported it.

Officials said about 30 to 40 people were employed at the restaurant. At this time, it is not known what started the fire.