Three downtown Cairo, Ill., businesses destroyed by fire

CAIRO, Ill. -- Although the Cairo Fire Department hasn't determined the cause of a fire that started in the 2000 block of Washington Street early Sunday, the Alexander County Sheriff's Department is calling the blaze suspicious.

The fire department responded to the scene around 1 a.m., where three buildings in the city's historic downtown were on fire. It started in the Mark Twain Restaurant and Lounge, according to a Cairo firefighter.

The fire spread to two nearby businesses -- New Hong Kong restaurant at 2013 Washington St. and a neighboring antique shop.

The three buildings are a total loss, according to the fire department.

Firefighters also put out a fire that started on the Alexander County Courthouse roof. Wind had blown ashes from the business fire onto the courthouse.

This is the second suspicious blaze in Cairo in three months. On July 28, firefighters tried to save the historic Hotel Roslyn, which was also on Washington Street.