STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Fire investigators say an overnight fire at a Sterling Heights gas station is pretty suspicious.
It was 2:20 a.m. Sunday when a clerk and a customer heard an explosion at a Marathon gas station in the 13000 block of 14 Mile Road in Sterling Heights. The two ran outside, saw flames and called 911.
When restaurant owner Paul Miklja arrived at Brandon's Family Restaurant four hours later, the fire was out but firefighters were still at the scene.
"They were just doing the precaution stuff to make sure people don't go in there and I don't have no idea what happened in there," said Miklja.
Investigators said the fire is suspicious and a $5,000 reward is being offered to find the person responsible.
It's the second fire there in a week. The fire Monday night caused limited damage, but Sunday morning's fire is a different story. It has forced the owner to close the 24-hour gas station.
Miklja hopes the fires so close to his business were not intentionally set.
"Anything is possible but I hope not. I hope that's not the issue," said Miklja. "I hope it is something accidental."
There are security cameras all around the gas station, which could help investigators find the person responsible if the fires turn out to be arson.