Masonville and Ensign fire departments responded as well as the Delta County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police to an early-morning fire at Rapid River Pub that the owner of the business says was deliberately set. (Contributed photo)

RAPID RIVER — The owner of Rapid River Pub says arson is suspected in a blaze that broke out in the back of the business early today.

According to Tom Szocinski, when the bartender declined to serve a man who had previously been banned from the pub, he replied, “Then I’ll take this place down.” Roughly 15 minutes later, at about 12:35 a.m., employees and customers heard a loud boom and found the fire in the back of the building.

Masonville and Ensign fire departments responded, as well as the Delta County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police.

Preliminary investigation showed accelerants had been used, Szocinski said, adding he had been told a suspect was taken into custody later in the day.

While the pub won’t reopen fully until a professional cleaning company can be brought in, Szocinski was going to have the Brisket Barn food truck on site from 4 to 8 p.m. today to serve customers in the outdoor venue, posting on Facebook, “Between the barn and our grill we are going to enjoy the Labor Day outside in our venue!” Live music was planned as well.