Explosion, fire at Stafford restaurant

Stafford, Conn. (WTNH) - -- Update -- The fire has been ruled arson by the Stafford Fire Marshal. Diesel cans were found at the scene. More testing to be done at State Fire Marshal's Office. State Police Major Crime now handling investigation.

An explosion and fire rocked the Milltown Tavern and Restaurant in Stafford early Tuesday morning. 

Neighbors tell News 8 that they heard a 'kaboom!' around 1am and when they ran outside they saw flames shooting from the West Main Street restaurant. They quickly called 911.

From the front, you would be hard pressed to know something was wrong, save for the yellow caution tape that surrounds the building. However, walk around back, and the picture changes entirely. Siding has melted off, there is a huge gaping hole near the roof line, and windows are missing. There is also the stinging smell of a fire that continues to linger in the air.

State Police tell us that there were no injuries and the fire was knocked down quickly.

An arson dog was sent in to sniff for fuel sources, and if anything is detected, samples will be sent to the state lab. Neighbors also tell us investigators asked them questions about the fire, and checked nearby storage facilities for anything suspicious.