Mid-afternoon on July 30, a fire started by a torch being used by roofers doing work destroyed Sneaker’s Sports Bar and Grill in Franklin Park, leaving the building inoperable and the owners in disbelief.
According to a release from the Franklin Park Fire Department, at approximately
2:30 p.m. on July 30, firefighters responded to 9721 Grand Avenue on a report of a structure fire. Two people were on the roof and were rescued by firefighters using ladders.
Emergency responders from 12 other area fire departments also responded to the scene, as well as the Bellwood Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the release explains.
“The aggressive actions of the initial responding companies” and other efforts helped to contain the fire to the upper level, according to the release.
The blaze was extinguished “after several hours.”
Two Franklin Park firefighters were transported to a local area hospital for heat exhaustion but were later released.
Authorities said no other injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was a torch being used by roofers performing repairs.
“Roofers were working on the roof with a torch, and they ignited some combustible roofing materials, the fire started on the roof and worked its way into the attic space above the second floor,” fire Chief Mark Stewart told Pioneer Press.
Damage to the building was extensive.
The second floor and third floor attic space were completely destroyed by fire and water damage. The first floor kitchen and bar room area sustained smoke and water damage. The basement also had water damage, Stewart explained.
Owners of the restaurant declined to talk further about the loss.
