By Editor Terry Hagerty

The interior of Ramos #2 Tex-Mex Food restaurant in downtown Bastrop was destroyed in an early-morning fire Wednesday. “More than likely it’s a total loss,” Bastrop Fire Chief Mark Wobus said as he stood next to the popular Bastrop eatery at 710 Chestnut Street. Wobus said there had been little danger of the fire spreading, which was toned out shortly before 2 a.m. Wobus said there was “heavy smoke on all sides of the building…but no visible flames” when firefighters arrived. (The Bastrop Fire Department’s downtown station is located less than 100 yards from the restaurant, on the same side of Chestnut Street.) Wobus added, “All the fire was contained to the restaurant. The fire started inside, but we don’t know the cause.” Wobus said there was no smoke/fire alarm system inside the building.” He said firefighters from Travis County ESD #11 were called to cut a hole in the roof, which he said “let a lot of heat and smoke out of the building.” Wobus said there were no injuries. He said the owner of Ramos #2 arrived at the scene. Firefighters from ESD #2, Elgin and Smithville assisted at the fire. Wobus said the State Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. Chestnut Street between Main and Water streets was closed, but has been reopened. (All photos Copyright 2017 by Terry Hagerty Photography)