Update 12:23 p.m. — While the exact cause of the fire is still unknown, Campus Corner restaurant Volare has security footage of Othello’s from the time of the fire’s outbreak and is still reviewing the footage to determine the fire’s origin, said Volare owner Anthony Compagni. Compagni said all of Campus Corner is saddened by the events of the morning as Othello’s is an area landmark.
“Campus Corner and the Campus Corner Association, we’re all rolling up our sleeves, seeing what we can do to help,” Compagni said.
Aisha Ali, Campus Corner Association president and owner of King Kopy, said a passerby originally discovered and reported the fire this morning. Othello’s kitchen was hit hard by fire damage, Ali said, and while some staples like Othello’s piano were not burned, they have suffered immense water damage.
The fire is just the latest struggle to hit Campus Corner businesses, Ali said, but Othello’s has seen an immense outpouring of support this morning.
“It’s just been a rough couple of years — we’ve had business closures and I think the Campus Corner family is ... just tired of dealing with different struggles,” Ali said. “But the beauty of it is, all over social media and just personally on Campus Corner, there’s so many community members who are coming to show support for the family.”
Othello’s staff was at the restaurant by 6:30 a.m. in response to the fire, Ali said. Ali said Othello’s owner, Jennifer Weiss, has plans to rebuild and will receive community support moving forward.
“I know the community’s going to support her, whether it’s the Campus Corner family or our Ward Four family. ... All over the city, we’re just hearing supportive thoughts, so I know the city officials and everyone will assist in ensuring that the family can rebuild, because they own their property,” Ali said.
Update 10:35 a.m. — A Facebook post from Othello's said the fire was started by a lightning strike. No one was inside the building and everyone is safe, according to the post.
The Norman Fire Department responded to a fire at Othello's Italian Restaurant on Campus Corner around 6 a.m. April 29.
When first responders arrived, the roof was in flames. The firefighters were able to get the fire under control and are continuing to work to put out hot spots, according to Norman Police Department public safety information officer Sarah Jensen.
When The Daily went to the scene at 10 a.m., the fire had been completely put out and firefighters were preparing to leave the scene.
Just got to Othello's on Campus Corner. The roof is pretty much gone. Fire trucks still on the scene. pic.twitter.com/XYSdSx6PUO
— Dana Branham (@danabranham) April 29, 2017
Here's some video from what I'm looking at. Fire fighters getting ready to clean up and leave. pic.twitter.com/evoEE9I4c1
— Dana Branham (@danabranham) April 29, 2017
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Othello's opened in 1977 on Campus Corner, according to its website.
The Daily will update this post as it learns more.
