A downtown restaurant remains shuttered after a Friday evening fire, but the quick response of Iola fire crews may have helped save the historic building from destruction.
The fire at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, 105 E. Jackson Ave., was contained to the kitchen area. Owners Carri and Mike Sailor are still assessing the damage.
A grill in the kitchen caught on fire at about 8:32 p.m. Friday, Carri Sailor said. She attempted to extinguish the blaze but flames spread rapidly. Soon, pressurized cans of sauce, vegetables and other food items exploded from the heat. She was struck in the head by something, she said, but was not seriously injured.
Staff and patrons immediately fled the building. No injuries were reported.
Carri Sailor estimated about 25 people, including staff, were in the building at the time of the fire.
The Iola Fire and Police departments were on the scene within a couple of minutes, Fire Chief Corey Isbell said. He credited their quick response and training for containing the fire to the kitchen area in the rear of the building.
The building was built as Adams & Hesser Mortuary in 1919 at the corner of East Jackson and North Jefferson avenues, according to a historical marker.
Isbell said fire crews train for the possibility of a fire at a historical downtown building. Most around the square are more than 100 years old and pose special challenges.
“The history of the square is well known so you hate to see those buildings catch fire,” Isbell said. “You worry about the construction, if there are voids in the ceiling or places where fire can creep up.”
The type of fire also posed a challenge, as grease fires are notoriously difficult to contain.
“We don’t get fires like this a lot, but we train for them,” he said.
He also thanked the community and the City Council for providing the appropriate training and equipment.
“I’m thankful to everyone, and that in situations like this, they were able to get the job done and come home safe.”
In a social media post, Rookies owners and staff thanked the fire and police response, as well as the outpouring of help from neighboring businesses and members of the community.
