Video Shows Heavy Fire Damage At Maple Tree Inn

BLUE ISLAND, IL — The 100-year-old building of a popular south suburban Blue Island restaurant, including a second-story apartment, is ruined after flames filled the property early Friday morning. WLS-TV reported the fire at The Maple Tree Inn started around 2:45 a.m., officials said, adding that crews continued to battle hot spots and watched over a ruptured gas line inside before most of the fire was under control about four hours later. According to the news report, it took crews from nearly 20 fire departments to battle the flames at the Cajun-Creole-style restaurant at Old Western and Canal.

Fire crews and arson investigators remained on the scene for hours.

Erich Wennberg and his wife, The Maple Tree Inn owners, lived on the top floor of the building and told firefighters they heard a "pop" in the back of the building before the fire broke out, according to WLS-TV.

They were able to escape safely with no one inside getting injured, although two firefighters sustained minor injuries.

WGN posted the following statement from the owners:

"While we are devastated emotionally by this tragedy, we want to assure everyone that no person was hurt in the fire. The Maple Tree Inn has had multiple, successful chapters and there will be many more. Our team of employees is one of the best ever assembled in our 43 years of business and we will rebuild around them.
We want to praise the fire fighters’ swift response and work in keeping our neighboring businesses safe and attempting to preserve the character of the building. The State Fire Marshall is leading the investigation at the moment."

WGN said crews are working on the ruptured gas line.

Image via Tim Moran