The community is rallying behind Matunuck Oyster Bar after the beloved local restaurant was heavily damaged in a devastating fire Tuesday morning.

The oyster bar has operated a seven-acre aquaculture operation on a local salt pond since 2002, and later opened the restaurant on the waterfront in 2009 where it quickly became a “pond-to-table” destination for diners. The restaurant regularly offers oyster farm tours for the public.

When firefighters arrived, there were large flames and billowing smoke coming from the restaurant. Union Fire District of South Kingstown Chief Steve Pinch said crews were able to get the fire out, but winds initially presented a challenge. “It was a little windy, made things a little difficult,” said Chief Pinch.

A fire tore through a popular New England seafood restaurant on Tuesday morning, prompting a large emergency response.