FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — One of Freeport’s most iconic small mom and pop restaurants caught fire Thursday evening causing a reported $75,000 in damage according to Fire Chief Brad Liggett of the Freeport Fire Department.
At 7:44 pm Freeport Fire responded to a commercial structure fire at 519 N. West Avenue in the City, the location of the popular Oasis restaurant in Freeport. According to the department, bystanders observed smoke coming from the rear of the building and made the initial call.
Upon arrival the department found an active fire in the back of the restaurant with smoke showing from the rear of the building. Firefighters forced entry into the restaurant to attack the fire, and the fire was brought quickly under control. The department reports that the fire was contained to the kitchen with heavy smoke damage throughout the entire restaurant. The origin of the fire was in the kitchen, according to the department. Freeport Fire said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Preliminary damage is estimated at approximately $75,000. The restaurant will remain closed until repairs can be made. No firefighters were injured and the business was closed at the time of the incident.