La Placita damaged by fire yesterday

A fire early today damaged a Mexican restaurant on Turner Street in Allentown, fire officials said.

The Allentown Fire Department was called to La Placita Mexico, 158. N. 12th St., at about 4 a.m. and found smoke and flames coming from the building, Fire Capt. Bob Kudlak said. Firefighters had to break into the building and the fire was contained to a counter that housed food, condiments and a garbage can, he said.

The fire was extinguished in minutes, but the restaurant suffered about $15,000 in fire and smoke damage, Kudlak said. Also, food in the restaurant had to be thrown out since it was contaminated by smoke, he said.

The fire began in the garbage can and was ruled accidental, he said.