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A fire destroyed more than $50,000 worth of damage at Pirate Island Pizza in Orem early Sunday morning and is under criminal investigation. Investigators said it was arson because they found evidence of forced entry, multiple fires were started and there also was extensive vandalism inside the restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Orem Police Department

Ashley Franscell

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A fire destroyed more than $50,000 worth of damage at Pirate Island Pizza in Orem early Sunday morning and is under criminal investigation. Investigators said it was arson because they found evidence of forced entry, multiple fires were started and there also was extensive vandalism inside the restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Orem Police Department

Ashley Franscell

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A fire destroyed more than $50,000 worth of damage at Pirate Island Pizza in Orem early Sunday morning and is under criminal investigation. Investigators said it was arson because they found evidence of forced entry, multiple fires were started and there also was extensive vandalism inside the restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Orem Police Department

Ashley Franscell

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Multiple investigations have begun following a suspected arson early Sunday at the Pirate Island Restaurant and Family Arcade, just east of Costco at the University Mall complex.

Sgt. Craig Martinez of the Orem police department said the investigation is being conducted by different teams looking at reasons someone would want to cause damage to the restaurant.

“We are looking at every option,” Martinez said. “We’re approaching this investigation from several angles.”

All four Orem fire stations were called out on the blaze. Provo also sent assistance in case there was a need to help or respond to another call.

According to Martinez, someone forced entry through the front doors, did vandalism, and started five separate fires within an hour and a half of when the managers said they had left the restaurant, just before 11 p.m. The restaurant closes at 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

“It’s too early to know much. This is not just fraud or arson, this is going to take more leg work,” Martinez said.

According to Lance Madigan, spokesman for the Utah County Health Department, “when a fire department responds to a fire when water sprinklers have gone off, the health department will come and determine if cooking and food preparation areas are safe to work and serve from,” he said.

However, Madigan said in a situation this large, owners will normally close the doors on the business until they decide if they are going to rebuild. “It is too early for the health department to get too involved,” Madigan said.

Utah County Health Department reports note that ownership of Pirate Island, a franchise, changed in January and there have been two inspections since then. Madigan added that it is normal procedure for the health department to come in at that time and inspect and inform the new owners of any concerns.

According to health department reports, there were a few critical issues, including food temperatures not being hot or cold enough, use by dates not clearly labeled, and employees handling ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands, when they should have been wearing gloves or using tongs.

“It is not uncommon for us to say you can do better,” Madigan said. “We want to help create a safe environment.”

Damage and loss is estimated between $50,000 and $75,000. Pirate Island is part of a small strip mall shopping area that also houses the Alphabet Station, Fotogenix and Cupcake Chic. According to employees of the other businesses, there was no damage or even smoke smell in their stores.

Pirate Island has headquarters in St. George and is owned by Jim Mayoros. Attempts to reach Mayoros by phone were unsuccessful. However, Mayoros has come to Orem because of the damages to the restaurant.

Martinez is asking residents who may have seen anything suspicious to contact the Orem police at (801) 229-7070. There are few leads at this time.

“We don’t have anybody in custody,” he said.