According to Northumberland County Sheriff Chuck Wilkins, the department received an alarm call at 11:34 p.m., and the dispatcher looked out the window and confirmed smoke showing at the historic landmark in Northumberland’s county seat.

The fire, which started in the foyer, was determined to be electrical in nature by the state fire investigator, said Sheriff Wilkins.

Extensive heat and smoke damage was done to the foyer, both dining rooms and to several upstairs rooms, where a mattress ignited. The Tavern Store and kitchen received minimal smoke damage.

“It was very close to a flash over, burning end to end,” said Sheriff Wilkins. “The firemen did a good job. It’s so difficult, especially in a rural area, to save rooms and contents. So they did a great job with a 300-year-old structure that’s powder dry. But there’s still a lot of dollar damage because of heat and smoke.”

Callao Volunteer Fire Department was the first to arrive on the scene at about 11:50 p.m. and it took crews from Callao and Fairfields fire departments less than an area to get the blaze under control. Several firemen and state investigators remained on the scene until 6 a.m. Saturday morning.

According to Sheriff Wilkins, workers at The Tavern Restaurant had left about 45 minutes before the fire alarm sounded.

“We’re crippled, but not closed,” said Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern Foundation president George Hollows.

He indicated that upcoming special events at the tavern complex will continue.

Representing the restaurant, Tracy Fearing said it plans to reopen as soon as possible.