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Sun Splash water park in Cape Coral damaged in early morning fire

Posted at 4:49 AM, Jul 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-06 10:30:09-04

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - A popular spot to cool off in Southwest Florida is now closed after a fire Wednesday morning destroyed parts of Sun Splash Family Waterpark. 

Cape Coral Fire Department spokesperson Andrea Schuch says the original call around 1:30 a.m. reported a tree on fire. That fire quickly spread to the main building, destroying it. 

The building holds the restaurant, gift shop and guest services. Schuch calls it an 'integral part of the park for behind the scenes operations.' It is a total loss. 

MORE: Photos of damages to the park

Crews battled the fire for a few hours, the wooden frame make it difficult to put out quickly.

No firefighters were injured battling the blaze but they are working in shifts to avoid overheating in the hot morning temperatures. 

The fire is now out but it is too early to tell what caused it and just how much damage estimates will be.

According to Dave Raborn, Fire Marshal with Cape Coral Fire Rescue, an initial investigation found the fire started around an unplugged golf cart in center of the building.  It is believed to be accidental, but samples are being sent to a state lab to rule out arson.

The Florida State Fire Marshal's office is investigating. 

Once the investigation is complete, the city will then determine when the park will open back up.  Raborn says the park hopes to re-open on Thursday, but it is unclear so far if they will be able to open that soon.