Crime & Safety

Skokie Fire Dept. Puts Out Restaurant Blaze Monday

Firefighters responded to a 6:30 a.m. fire at Basha Middle Eastern Grill, 3445 W. Dempster, Skokie.


By Pam DeFiglio, Patch.com

After receiving multiple 9-1-1- calls, Skokie firefighters responded to a fire at Basha Middle Eastern Grill at about 6:35 a.m. Monday, and found flames in the back of the restaurant, which they extinguished by 7 a.m., according to a statement by Deputy Chief Barry Liss of the Skokie Fire Department.

Related: Basha Restaurant Shows Soot, Debris From Fire--Photos

Basha is located in the center of the strip mall, and other tenants, including two hair salons, a bakery and a tutoring service--all had heavy smoke damage, the statement said. However, all were able to open on time at 9 a.m., Liss' statement said.

The Morton Grove and Evanston Fire Departments assisted on the scene, as did Skokie police officers, for a total of 29 responders. 

Firefighters estimated $50,000 worth of damage to the structure, and $100,000 worth of damage to the contents in the structure.

A sign was posted on the door of Basha Middle Eastern Grill advising customers the restaurant would be closed from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4 for vacation. 

The Skokie Fire and Police Departments are investigating the cause of the blaze. 


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