DES MOINES, Iowa — Firefighters were called out to a closed Italian restaurant on Des Moines’ southeast side Monday morning after smoke was seen pouring from the building.

Captain Chris Clement of the Des Moines Fire Department said crews arrived at the scene of the old Riccelli’s Restaurant at 3803 Indianola Avenue a little before 8:00 a.m. He said firefighters discovered a room in the back of the building was on fire and were able to quickly contain the flames and extinguish them.

There was extensive smoke damage to the rest of the building.

Though the building has been boarded up for at least a few years, Capt. Clement said neighbors told them there has been a lot of homeless activity on the property.

Indianola Avenue was blocked off until around 9:30 a.m. while fire crews completed their work.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.