The Sauk Centre community is raising money to keep a Mexican restaurant in business after a fire left its fate uncertain. Earlier this month, the building housing El Mezcal restaurant in downtown Sauk Centre caught fire, damaging multiple businesses and residential units. The fire happened around 11:50 p.m. on May 11, and was first spotted by a Sauk Centre police officer who was on routine patrol. The officer saw smoke and flames shooting out of the two-story building. Five apartments were evacuated, and three businesses sustained significant damage. No one was injured. The fire came just as El Mezcal owner Pedro Gomez was recovering from surgery after a shoulder injury left him unable to work, forcing the restaurant to close temporarily. El Mezcal reopened in February following a month-long closure. A GoFundMe meant to support El Mezcal during Gomez’s recovery is now again raising money in the aftermath of the fire. According to the fundraiser, inspections are still needed to determine whether the building needs to be condemned or can be salvaged. El Mezcal’s insurance will cover two months of lost income following the fire, according to the fundraiser. “The clock is ticking though, and they may need us in the future after those short 8 weeks are up,” the GoFundMe continues. As of Sunday, the fundraiser had reached around $6,400 of its $7,500 goal.