Michael Praats | Valdosta Daily TimesA firefighter breaking out a window at El Potro Monday morning after the building caught fire. 

VALDOSTA — The cause of an early morning fire at a Valdosta Mexican restaurant is under investigation, Valdosta Fire Department officials said late Monday. 

Firefighters responded Monday to a fire at El Potro, a Mexican restaurant, at 1173 St. Augustine Road.

The business was unoccupied at the time, the fire department said.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the restaurant. Fire officials confirmed there were no injuries. 

A restaurant employee spoke with The Times and said he was asleep when he got a call saying the building was on fire.

A total of 15 fire units and 35 firefighting personnel were on the scene, the fire department said in a press release.

The Valdosta Police Department, Georgia Power and Lowndes County Fire Rescue also responded.

The McDonald’s restaurant next door was temporarily closed but did not appear to be in any danger during the incident. Firefighters ran hoses through the parking lot of the McDonald’s. 

Michael Praats is a reporter at the Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229) 244-3400 ext. 1257.