WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — The Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown was badly burned by an early morning Tuesday fire, with a long effort ahead to rebuild.

Flames shot out of the second floor of the South County staple just before 4 a.m. Tuesday morning, with windy conditions spreading the fire.

Rhode Islanders are mourning the loss of this institution, now wishing the owner Perry Raso well in rebuilding.

Raso released a statement saying:

Our first priority is in finding ways to assist our more than 300 full-time and seasonal employees.

While we are heartbroken that our doors will be temporarily closed, we are committed to opening them back up and welcoming guests back to our tables as soon as possible.

No one was hurt in the fire and the investigation into how the fire started continues.