Posted Sunday, January 20, 2019 3:48 am

This story was updated on Jan. 20. 2019 at 4:23 p.m.

WEST DOVER — Betsey's Dot's of Dover was destroyed in a fire early Sunday morning during the biggest storm of this winter.

"We have no idea on the cause," West Dover Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hescock said at the scene.

Hescock reported that no one was inside the building at the time of the fire and no firefighters were injured. He said the fire is not considered suspicious at this point in the investigation.

The call for a structure fire at 2 Mountain Park Plaza came in just before 1 a.m. and was upgraded to a second alarm. Police on scene reported heavy fire in the rear of the building, according to mutual aid dispatchers.

Hescock said it didn't take long to get the fire under control once the ladder truck arrived. Route 100 was temporarily closed to traffic.

Hescock cited the weather conditions and a lack of personnel at the scene during initial efforts as challenges. East Dover, NewBrook, Wardsboro, Whitingham and Wilmington fire departments assisted.

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"Hopefully everything will work out and we'll have a better Dot's," said Betsey Reagan, owner. "A newer version of the old place."

Betsey's Dot's of Dover will be "closed until further notice," according to a Facebook post on the diner's page.

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"We thank you all for your support and patronage over these last 18 years," the post says. "Dot's could not have been what it is and was without this community. We are grateful for your prayers during this difficult time."

Reagn relocated to the Deerfield Valley from Long Island in 1986, according to betseysdotsofdover.com.

"After working in the food service business she decided to invest in her own property," the website says. "As the business grew it was necessary to find a new and bigger location. With the help of her parents Joseph and Irene Reagan, Betsey acquired this property at 2 Mountain Park Plaza in 1998."

Staff at Nosh, a new restaurant in West Dover, started a fundraiser at gofundme.com/relief-for-dots-of-dover.

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"Dot's of Dover has always been a place for locals and weekenders to gather for good food and better company," the webpage says. "West Dover has a history of helping our neighbors in a time of need, so Nosh wants to get the ball rolling to help Betsey get through the next few months and help rebuild. Our hearts are going out to Betsey, her team and everyone involved in last night's fire and hope that you can give what you can to help this local establishment come back to life."

Reagan said she has never been the beneficiary of a fundraiser. Usually, she's the one organizing them.

"Not only does Betsey's Dots of Dover serve as a vital community place, but also Betsey Reagan is a great example of generosity to local people who are in need," Pastor Jeremy Kirk of West Dover Congregational Church United Church of Christ said. "She shows up for others. I hope we will follow her example and show up for her and her employees now."

The Gathering Place, which provides adult-day services next door, called Reagan and her family "long-time friends, ardent supporters and advocates" of the organization. The group's programming was not affected by the fire.

A fire the night before in West Dover destroyed a condo unit at Greenspring. Hescock said no one was hurt related to that incident.

Reach staff writer Chris Mays at cmays@reformer.com, at @CMaysBR on Twitter and 802-254-2311, ext. 273.