A carelessly tossed cigarette has been determined to cause the fire at Arby’s restaurant in Lexington Park on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a burnt wall with a gaping hole.

 Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department Vice President Douglas Medley reports a cigarette tossed near the wall ignited mulch that spread to the building.

 Bay District Volunteer Firefighters were dispatched to the fire at Arby’s at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday.

 Seconds after the first dispatch, reports continued to come in that the fire was well-off, and additional fire companies were called from Hollywood, Seventh District and Second District.

 Bay District Chief 3A Joe Gould arrived on scene to find a working fire on the outside of the building running up to the roof, reports Medley.

 Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames and checked for fire extension to other areas of the building. Crews also set up fans to clear the building of smoke and contacted county health officials.

 The cost of the damage has not yet been reported.

 
Bay District Volunteer Fire Department photos; see more on their Web site.