UPDATED: 8:31 p.m.
PEORIA, Ill. — Peoria Fire officials confirm there were no injuries after crews responded to a call at McAlister’s Deli near the University and Glen side of the Metro Centre late Friday afternoon.
However, more detailed reports indicate there was some damage done to the business’s structure as part of the city’s fire response.
According to an updated news release, the initial call came in at 3:58 p.m. on reports of smoke filling up part of the inside of the eatery. Firefighters say, by the time crews arrived, all occupants of the sandwich shop had been safely evacuated.
Shortly after arrival, firefighters noticed a small fire inside one of the exterior walls of the structure.
They reportedly were forced to break through the wall to extinguish the flames. The entire effort took roughly 30 minutes, unfolding as many commuters traveled the area roads.
The business was temporarily closed as a fire investigation commenced and the Peoria City/County Health Department was called to the scene.
City fire officials say it is believed the blaze was accidental in nature.
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UPDATED 4:41 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – A chain restaurant inside Peoria’s Metro Centre is dealing with a fire.
Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger confirms fire crews were called to McAlister’s Deli near the University and Glen side of the Metro Centre around 4 p.m. Friday.
Sollberger says a working fire was confirmed inside a wall in one of the bathrooms, but was completely out in less than a half hour.
Several fire engines and crews were on scene.
No word on injuries, or the cause.
This story will be updated.
