Numerous fire companies battled a fire that broke out at Long John Silver’s, 1739 E. Third St., about 9:15 p.m. Thursday.

It was believed that when firefighters arrived on the scene, there was smoke coming from under the eaves.

The restaurant was closed at the time of the fire.

Motorists were advised to stay clear of the area, which was

congested with several pieces of fire apparatus.

As heavy smoke poured from the building, a dispatcher told the lead fire officer directing operations at the scene, Loyalsock Township Fire Chief Richard Caschera, that the manager of the business was en route.

Long John Silver’s has been a landmark business on East Third Street for many years.

Besides the township, firefighters from the city, Montoursville, South Williamsport, Old Lycoming Township and other communities were working together to bring the fire under control.

A fire truck from Hughesville was moved to the township’s firehouse, only three blocks away, ready to handle any other emergencies.

The fire was declared under control at 10 p.m.

Trooper Stephen Schramm, a state police fire marshal, who responded to the restaurant on Friday morning, has ruled the cause of the fire as accidental.

He said the fire was “electrical in nature” and broke out in an area between the roof and a drop ceiling. Damage was estimated at $50,000.

Schramm said he was told that before the fire occurred, Long John Silver’s had planned to demolish the structure and build a new restaurant.

It was unknown if the restaurant, which closed about 7 p.m. Thursday, planned to move up the demolition date or to make repairs and re-open for a period of time before the project.