A fire broke out early Monday in the attic of the in Malibu, backing up traffic on Pacific Coast Highway for miles, a fire official said.
The fire was reported at 6:10 a.m. at the Mediterranean-style restaurant at 26025 Pacific Coast Highway near Corral Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Brian Riley.
The cause was under investigation.
Some 34 firefighters gained the upper hand on the flames within 45 minutes, but some crews remained on scene to douse hot spots, Riley said. No injuries were reported.
Pacific Coast Highway was shut down in both directions, according to the city of Malibu. Both eastbound lanes and one westbound lane were opened just before 8:30 a.m., but delays are expected for several hours.
Photos posted on Twitter and other social media sites showed some motorists stuck on PCH got out of their cars for a brief period of time.
The flames caused $400,000 in damage, according to an official at the scene.
Daniel Forge, 86, of Malibu said he closed escrow on the property with the new owner, Morris Gerson Family Co., Inc., just days ago.
